NomOrigine Background

Last Name Bel

What is the origin of the last name Bel?

The last name "Bel" is of French and Catalan origin. It is derived from the Old French word "bel" which means "fair" or "beautiful". It was a nickname given to someone who was handsome or had a pleasant appearance.

Please wait, data loading. It may take 1 minute or 2...

Learn more about the origin of the last name Bel

The meaning and origin of the last name Bel

The surname Bel is of Scottish, English, and French origin, derived from the Middle English word "beau" or the Old French word "bel," both meaning beautiful or fair. It was often used as a nickname for someone with a pleasant appearance or personality. The surname Bel likely originated as a descriptive or occupational name for someone involved in beauty or aesthetic-related professions. Over time, the surname Bel has spread to various parts of the world, including the United States, where it is found among immigrant populations.

Geographical distribution of the last name Bel

Please wait, data loading. It may take 1 minute or 2...

Variants and spellings of the last name Bel

The variations and spellings of the last name Bel include Bell, Belle, Bael, Beal, Beale, Beil, Bail, Bael, and Baell. These variations can be seen in different regions and cultures around the world. The name Bel is often of French or English origin, but its spelling can vary depending on the specific family history and genealogy. Some variations may have originated from translations or adaptations of the name into different languages over time. Despite the different spellings, the name Bel typically retains its pronunciation and general meaning.

Famous people with the last name Bel

Some of the most famous people with the last name Bel include Spanish footballer Raul Bel, known for his successful career with Real Madrid and the Spanish national team. Canadian actress and singer Crystal Bel appeared in popular TV shows such as "Arrow" and "The Flash." French singer and songwriter Belinda Bel rose to fame in the 1980s with hits like "L'Amour Brille Sous Les Etoiles." American actor Michael Bel starred in TV series like "Friday Night Lights" and "True Detective." Lastly, Mexican actress and singer Belinda Peregrin Schull, known simply as Belinda, gained popularity for her roles in telenovelas and her successful music career.

Genealogical research on the last name Bel

The surname Bel is of French origin and is derived from the Old French word "bel," meaning "handsome" or "fair." It is a surname that has been found in various regions of France, including Normandy, Brittany, and Provence. One notable individual with the surname Bel is Jean-Pierre Bel, a French politician who served as president of the French Senate from 2011 to 2014. Genealogical research on the surname Bel may reveal connections to noble families in medieval France, as well as potential links to other surnames with similar origins, such as Belle, Bellet, and Bele. The surname Bel may also have variations in spelling due to regional dialects and historical influences, making it important to explore different records and sources when tracing the lineage of individuals with this surname.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 11 April 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

Bel arabi (Last name)

surnames > bel-arabi

Bel Arabi is a surname of Arabic origin. It translates to "from Arabia" in English.

Bel ast (Last name)

surnames > bel-ast

The surname "Belast" is of French and Anglo-Saxon origin. It is derived from the Old French word "bel," meaning "beautiful," and the Old English word "east," referring to someone w...

Bel hadj mohamed (Last name)

surnames > bel-hadj-mohamed

The last name Bel Hadj Mohamed is of Arabic origin. "Bel" means "son of" or "related to", "Hadj" is a title given to a Muslim who has made the pilgrimage to Mecca, and "Mohamed" is...

Bel jafla (Last name)

surnames > bel-jafla

Bel Jafla is a surname of Arabic origin. It is derived from the Arabic word "jafla," which means "separation" or "difference." The surname may have originated from a place name or ...

Bel kaid (Last name)

surnames > bel-kaid

Please wait, data loading. It may take 1 minute or 2...

Bel meqadma (Last name)

surnames > bel-meqadma

The last name "Bel Meqadma" is of Arabic origin, specifically from the Maghreb region. It is a combination of "Bel," which means "son of" in Arabic, and "Meqadma," which is likely ...

Bel-abbas (Last name)

surnames > bel-abbas

The last name "Bel Abbas" is of Arabic origin and is commonly found in North Africa, particularly in countries such as Algeria and Morocco. "Bel" is a common prefix in Arabic last ...

Bel-abbes (Last name)

surnames > bel-abbes

The origin of the last name "Bel Abbes" is likely Algerian or Moroccan. The name "Bel Abbes" can also be spelled "Belabbas" or "Belabbes". In Algerian and Moroccan culture, "Bel Ab...

Bela-ong (Last name)

surnames > bela-ong

The last name "Ong" is of Chinese origin, specifically Hokkien Chinese. It is a common Chinese surname that is believed to have originated from the Hokkien word for "Wang" or "king...

Belaale (Last name)

surnames > belaale

The surname "Belaale" is of African origin. It is derived from the Oromo people of Ethiopia and may have various meanings related to their culture and history.

Belabacci (Last name)

surnames > belabacci

The last name "Belabacci" is of Italian origin. It is likely derived from the Italian word "bella" meaning "beautiful" and "bacci" meaning "kisses."

Belaca-ol (Last name)

surnames > belaca-ol

The surname Belacaol appears to have originated in the Philippines.

Belacel (Last name)

surnames > belacel

The last name Belacel is likely of Arabic origin. In Arabic, "Belacel" is transliterated as "بلعسل" which means "honey swallower" or "one who likes honey." This surname may ha...

Beladel (Last name)

surnames > beladel

Unfortunately, there is limited information available on the origin or meaning of the last name "Beladel." It does not appear to have a specific origin in any particular language o...

Belafonte-legua (Last name)

surnames > belafonte-legua

I'm sorry, but I couldn't find any information on the specific last name "Belafonte Legua." It may be a rare or unique last name, or it could be a combination of two separate names...