Last Name Besa

Learn more about the origin of the last name Besa

The meaning and origin of the last name Besa

The surname Besa is primarily of Spanish and Italian origin. It is derived from various sources, with one possible origin being a shortened form of the name Francis (Francisco in Spanish or Francesco in Italian), which comes from the Latin word Franciscus. In this context, Besa could have developed as a diminutive form. Another theory suggests that it is a variant of Basa, a surname of Basque origin. Regardless, the surname Besa has been commonly found among Spanish and Italian populations for centuries. It is also known in other countries where Spanish or Italian settlers have immigrated, such as Argentina, Mexico, Cuba, and the United States.

Geographical distribution of the last name Besa

The surname Besa has a significant presence in several regions, particularly in Europe and North America. In Europe, it is most commonly found in Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Italy, reflecting its historical origins from these areas. In Albania, it ranks among the top 100 most common surnames. In Kosovo, it is also quite prevalent due to the strong ties between the two countries historically. In North Macedonia, the name Besa is linked to the region of Debar and the Dinoš family, one of the oldest noble families in the country. In North America, especially the United States, the surname has been carried by immigrants from these European regions, with high concentrations in cities like New York and Chicago. The distribution also extends to other parts of Europe and the Americas, primarily as a result of migration waves over the last century.

Variants and spellings of the last name Besa

The surname Besa has several variations and spelling differences across different regions and languages. Here are some of the common versions:

1. Besa - This is the most common spelling, often found among individuals of Spanish or Italian origin.
2. Beza - A variation that may be used by individuals with Portuguese, Spanish, or Basque heritage.
3. Vaesa - A less common variation that could potentially be found among individuals of Basque origin.
4. Bessa - This spelling is more frequently encountered among people of Portuguese descent.
5. Beças - In Portuguese, this is another variant of the surname Besa.
6. Bezà - A Spanish variant with an accent mark over the 'a' to indicate the stress on that syllable.
7. Bezza - An Italian variation of the surname.
8. Vaesa (Euskara) - This spelling is used in Euskera, the Basque language, though it's quite rare and may be found among Basque immigrants or descendants.

Famous people with the last name Besa

Notable individuals with the surname Besa include:

1. Bashar Besa, a Syrian-born American football coach and former player who played for the University of Michigan and coached at various institutions, including the University of Toledo and Western Michigan University.
2. Sami Besa, an Albanian politician and engineer who served as the Minister of Infrastructure and Energy in the Government of Albania from 2017 to 2019.
3. Kristaq Besa, an Albanian philosopher, literary critic, and essayist who is considered one of the most important figures in modern Albanian literature. He was a member of the League of Prizren and played a significant role in the Albanian National Awakening movement in the late 19th century.
4. Sylejman Besa, an Albanian politician who served as the Minister of Defense in the Government of Albania from 2008 to 2013 and was a member of the Socialist Party of Albania.
5. Zana Besa, an Albanian-American activist and human rights advocate who has worked extensively on behalf of women's rights, particularly in her native Kosovo. She is the founder of the Kosovar Women's Network and was awarded the Ellis Island Medal of Honor in 2006.

Genealogical research on the last name Besa

The surname Besa originates from the Albanian language and is derived from the word "besa," which means "promise" or "oath." It is predominantly found among the Albanian population, particularly in Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and other Balkan regions. Notable figures with this surname include George Besa, a prominent Albanian politician, and Besnik Besa, an Albanian footballer. The Besa Clan, also known as the Blood Feud of the Highlands, is a historical clan known for their strict code of honor and blood feuds, which have been documented since the Middle Ages. This surname can be traced back to various branches throughout the Balkans, with many family histories passing down oral traditions and stories from generation to generation.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Besa"
• 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 : 23 July 2025