Last Name Belew

The surname Belew originates from England. It is an Anglicized form of the French-Norman Belot or Belgue, which itself comes from a Germanic given name Bado or Balduin. This name was brought to England by the Normans following their conquest in 1066. Over time, variations in spelling and pronunciation occurred, resulting in the modern form of the surname as Belew.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Belew

The meaning and origin of the last name Belew

The surname Belew is an Anglo-Saxon and Norman French patronymic name, derived from the Old English word "belewe" or the Old French "belo" which means "arrow." This surname was originally given to someone who was a skilled archer or had the occupation of an arrow maker. Over time, it became a hereditary name passed down through families. The name Belew first appeared in the British Isles during the Middle Ages and subsequently migrated with settlers to America, particularly to Virginia and North Carolina. Notable figures bearing this surname include singer-songwriter LaToya Belew and musician Marc Blewett. It is a common surname among African American families of English or French descent.

Geographical distribution of the last name Belew

The surname Belew is primarily distributed across several regions in the United States, with the highest concentration found in the Southern and Midwestern states. According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Missouri, and Kentucky are among the top five states where the name Belew is most prevalent. Outside of the U.S., significant numbers of individuals sharing this surname can be found in England, particularly in areas such as Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. A smaller presence of the Belew name can also be identified in Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, where it appears to have been transported by early European settlers. It's important to note that the distribution patterns may vary depending on the specific spelling variations of the surname (such as Beal, Beale, or Bail).

Variants and spellings of the last name Belew

The surname Belew has several variations and spellings, including Bellow, Beloe, Bealow, Bealou, Bielau, and Beylow. These variations are typically found across different regions and time periods due to changes in pronunciation, recording practices, and cultural influences. While the most common spelling is Belew, it's essential to consider these alternatives when conducting genealogical research or any other investigation involving this last name. It's also important to note that the correct spelling of a name can sometimes be subjective, as regional dialects, historical records, and personal preferences may influence how a surname is written.

Famous people with the last name Belew

Toni Belew, born in 1953, is an American guitarist and singer-songwriter who achieved fame as a member of the new wave band Talking Heads from 1979 to 1982, contributing significantly to their groundbreaking albums "Fear of Music" and "Remain in Light." Later, he embarked on a successful solo career, releasing numerous critically acclaimed albums that blend rock, pop, and experimental elements. In addition to his musical achievements, Belew is known for his distinctive visual style, often wearing elaborate makeup and costumes during live performances. Another notable figure with the last name Belew is David Belew, an American football coach who served as head coach at several universities, including Texas A&M University and Louisiana State University, leading both teams to conference championships. In professional sports, Belew is best known for his successful coaching tenures in college football.

Genealogical research on the last name Belew

The surname Belew is of Anglo-Saxon origin, with roots traced back to the medieval period in England. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name was Robertus Belau, who resided in Lincolnshire during the reign of King Henry II (1154-1189). Over subsequent centuries, variations such as Bele, Bielow, and Belue emerged due to spelling inconsistencies and regional dialects. The family migrated to America primarily through the Virginia Colony in the late 17th century. Notable individuals bearing the name include James Belew, a prominent pioneer and landowner in Tennessee during the early 19th century, and Dudley Belew, an American football player who played for the Washington Redskins in the 1960s. Today, the Belew surname is prevalent throughout the United States, particularly in the Southern states. Genealogical research continues to uncover new branches and connections within this extensive family tree.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Belew"
• 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 : 10 June 2025

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