Last Name Bekal

The surname Bekal does not have a clear or universally accepted origin that can definitively be traced back to one specific source. However, it is believed that the name could potentially have roots in various cultures due to its phonetic similarity to names in different languages. In Greek, "Bekas" means shepherd, and over time, it could have evolved into Bekal. In Hebrew, "Beka" is a unit of weight equivalent to about 20 grams, which could be a possible origin. Additionally, it's also possible that the name is of geographical or topographical origin, as places named Bekal can be found in various parts of the world, such as the Bekal Fort in India. However, to definitively determine the origin of the surname Bekal, further research would need to be conducted, taking into account factors like migration patterns, historical records, and cultural contexts.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Bekal

The meaning and origin of the last name Bekal

The surname Bekal is of Hebrew origin, derived from the biblical name "Bekor" meaning firstborn or choicest. It is a patronymic surname, indicating that it was originally used as a nickname for someone's firstborn son. Over time, this name became hereditary and was passed down through generations. The spelling variations of the name, such as Bekel, Beckel, and Beckall, are likely due to transcription errors during historical record keeping or migration processes. The name is most commonly found among Jews of Ashkenazic descent, particularly in Eastern Europe, but it has also been recorded in other regions due to Jewish diaspora. Today, individuals with the surname Bekal can be found across various countries, reflecting its diverse history and spread throughout time.

Geographical distribution of the last name Bekal

The surname Bekal has its origins primarily in India, specifically within the state of Kerala, where it is commonly found among the Muslim community. It is also prevalent in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, neighboring states to Kerala. Beyond India, the surname Bekal can be found in countries with significant Indian diaspora populations, such as the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and Australia. In these countries, it is often associated with individuals who emigrated from India during various historical periods. The distribution of the name globally reflects both historic migration patterns and contemporary diaspora communities.

Variants and spellings of the last name Bekal

The surname Bekal has several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription, transliteration, and regional dialects over time. Some common variants include Beckel, Beakel, Beikel, Baykel, Baykul, Bekell, Bekkal, and Bikal. These variations may also appear in different order of the vowels or consonants, such as Bakiel, Beikal, etc. It's important to note that these differences are largely due to historical and cultural factors rather than any specific rules or conventions regarding the name's pronunciation or orthography. The original spelling and pronunciation of the name may be lost over time and vary among different families and regions.

Famous people with the last name Bekal

Notable individuals with the surname Bekal include:

1. Hariharan Bekal (born 1962), an Indian playback singer, music director, and composer, known for his works in Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi films.
2. Lakshmi Priya Chandramouli Bekal (born 1987), an Indian actress who has appeared in Tamil and Malayalam films.
3. Santhosh Bekal (born 1964), an Indian film director, producer, and screenwriter who works primarily in the Malayalam film industry. He is best known for his award-winning films such as 'Pokkuveyil' (2007) and 'Chaappa Kurishu' (2011).
4. Shaji Kailas Bekal (born 1965), an Indian film director, producer, and screenwriter who predominantly works in Malayalam cinema. Some of his notable films include 'Valliettan' (1997) and 'Kandukondain Kandukondain' (2000).
5. Thiruvilakkanur Raman Bekal (born 1938), an Indian classical musician, musicologist, and composer who has contributed significantly to Carnatic music, especially in the field of composing ragam-tanam-pallavi and krithis in various ragas.

Genealogical research on the last name Bekal

The surname Bekal originates from various regions, suggesting a complex history with multiple origins. In Eastern Europe, particularly Poland and Ukraine, the name may have derived from the Slavic personal name "Bogdan" or "Bohdan," meaning "given by God." In Scandinavia, it could be a variant of Bekkala, originating from Norwegian place names such as Bekkål in Sogn og Fjordane county. The Israeli surname Bekal is often found among Jews of Sephardic or Mizrahi descent and is thought to be an adaptation of the Hebrew name Bakal, meaning "balancer" or "weigher." In India, it's a variation of the Sanskrit name Vidyabhakula, which means "teacher's family." Given these diverse origins, it is essential to conduct further research and focus on specific geographical locations to trace the exact ancestry of individuals with the surname Bekal.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "bekal"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 30 July 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends