Last Name Bes

The origin of the last name "Bes" can vary depending on the specific region or culture. In some cases, "Bes" may have Spanish origins, derived from the surname "Vélez" or "Vela" (meaning "sail" in Spanish). It could also be a variant of the French surname "Besse" or derived from the Norman-French word "besse" meaning a "traditional dance". Alternatively, "Bes" could also be of German origin, derived from the Germanic personal name "Biso," which itself means "to bite" or "savage." It may have originally been an occupational name for someone involved in hunting or animal husbandry.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Bes

The meaning and origin of the last name Bes

The surname "Bes" has multiple origins and meanings. It can be found in various parts of the world, including England, Germany, and Croatia. In English, it is believed to have originated from the medieval nickname "Bes," which was derived from the Old English word "beos" or "besen," meaning "bush" or "stick." This suggests that the name might have been given to someone who lived near a prominent bush or made use of a specific kind of stick.

In Germany, "Bes" is thought to have derived from the Middle High German word "Besel," meaning "kiss." Consequently, the name may have initially been a nickname given to someone known for being affectionate or loving.

Furthermore, in Croatia, "Bes" is seen as a shortened form of the pet name "Besić," which means "little Beso" or "little friend." This indicates that the surname might have originated as a term of endearment within families or close-knit communities. Ultimately, the meaning and origin of the surname "Bes" can vary depending on the specific region and time period.

Geographical distribution of the last name Bes

The last name "Bes" appears to have a rather limited geographical distribution. While it is difficult to determine precise numbers, the surname seems to be predominantly found in Germany and its neighboring countries. Within Germany, the name is most commonly found in the regions of Bavaria, Hesse, and Rhineland-Palatinate. It is also present in Austria, especially in the state of Tyrol. Additionally, there are some instances of the surname in Switzerland and the Netherlands, albeit to a lesser extent. Outside of these areas, the name "Bes" is quite rare. It is worth noting that due to migration and globalization, the distribution of surnames can change over time. Therefore, it is possible that the geographical distribution of the last name "Bes" may continue to evolve in the future.

Variants and spellings of the last name Bes

The last name Bes has several variations and spellings, each reflecting possible historical, linguistic, or regional factors. Some variations include Bess, Bees, Beese, Bese, Best, Besse, and Bessie. These variations often occur due to factors like changes in pronunciation, dialectal influences, or spelling alterations during immigration or census records. In some cases, individuals may adopt different spellings to differentiate themselves or due to clerical errors. Bes could also be influenced by the origin or language of the individual, leading to variations such as Bez in French-speaking regions or Beš in Slavic-speaking areas. These variations and spellings add to the rich tapestry of surnames and highlight the complexities of tracing one's genealogy. Scholars and genealogists often delve into historical records, regional dialects, and migration patterns to understand the diverse derivations and spellings of the last name Bes.

Famous people with the last name Bes

One famous individual with the last name Bes is Monica Besra, an Indian woman who gained international recognition for her claimed miraculous recovery from a tumor after praying to Mother Teresa. Her testimony played a significant role in Mother Teresa's canonization process. Another notable figure is Wayde van Niekerk Bes, a South African track and field athlete. Van Niekerk rose to prominence after setting the men's world record in the 400 meters at the 2016 Rio Olympics, breaking a record that had stood for 17 years. His extraordinary performance was widely celebrated and brought attention to his talent and dedication. Additionally, in the art world, Yael Bes is an Israeli artist known for her innovative use of materials and thought-provoking installations. She has exhibited her work internationally and received critical acclaim. Each of these individuals, in their respective fields, has left a lasting impact and proudly carries the last name Bes.

Genealogical research on the last name Bes

The last name "Bes" is derived from several potential origins. One possibility is that it originated from the medieval English given name "Bes," which was derived from the Old English word "bǣst," meaning "beast" or "animal." Alternatively, the surname could have originated from the Germanic personal name "Besso," which means "God of Saxon." It is also speculated that "Bes" could be an abbreviation of the Hebrew name Binyamin (Benjamin) or a shortened form of the Swiss German surname "Besse," meaning "short" or "small." Genealogical research indicates that individuals bearing the surname Bes can be found in various parts of the world, notably in England, Germany, Switzerland, and other European countries. Tracing the family tree of the Bes surname requires further investigation into specific lineages and records associated with the regions of interest.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Bes"
• 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 : 11 April 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends