Last Name Besson

The last name "Besson" is of French origin. It is a surname derived from the given name "Benoit," which means "blessed" in French. It is believed to have originated as a nickname or patronymic surname for someone who was considered blessed or fortunate. The Besson surname is most commonly found in France and other French-speaking regions.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Besson

The meaning and origin of the last name Besson

The surname Besson is of French origin, derived from the Old French word "bes(s)on," which means a measure of grain or corn. It is believed to have originally been an occupational surname for someone who worked as a grain measurer or possibly a farm manager. The name may also have geographic origins, referring to someone who lived near a field or granary. The variations of the surname Besson include Beson, Beason, and Besou. The name is most commonly found in France, particularly in the regions of Burgundy and Normandy. Over time, the surname Besson may have spread to other French-speaking countries and beyond, as individuals with the name migrated or were associated with the French cultural influence. Today, the surname Besson is relatively uncommon but can still be found in various parts of the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Besson

The last name Besson is most commonly found in France, where it is believed to have originated. It is a fairly common surname in various regions of France, including the Rhône-Alpes, Île-de-France, and Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur. Outside of France, the surname can also be found in countries such as Switzerland, Belgium, and Canada, particularly in regions with historical ties to France. In the United States, the surname Besson is less common but can still be found in various states, such as Louisiana and New York, where French immigrants settled in the past. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Besson reflects the French origins of the surname and its spread throughout regions with connections to France.

Variants and spellings of the last name Besson

The last name Besson has several variations and spellings, including Beeson, Beson, Bezson, Baisson, and Bason. These variations may be due to the evolution of language over time or the influence of different regions and dialects. The surname Besson is of French origin and is believed to have originally been a occupational name for someone who worked as a carpenter or maker of wooden vessels. The name can also be traced back to medieval times, when surnames were often derived from a person's profession, location, or physical characteristics. Today, the name Besson is found in many countries around the world, with different spellings and variations depending on the region and language. Despite the variations, the underlying meaning and history of the name remain consistent.

Famous people with the last name Besson

Luc Besson is a renowned French filmmaker and producer, known for directing films such as "Lucy," "The Fifth Element," and "Léon: The Professional." He is celebrated for his visually stunning and action-packed movies that have captivated audiences worldwide. Pierre Besson is a talented French actor, known for his work in both film and television. He has appeared in numerous popular French productions, showcasing his versatile acting abilities and earning critical acclaim for his performances. These two individuals, Luc and Pierre Besson, have made a significant impact on the entertainment industry, with their work garnering praise and recognition from audiences and critics alike. Their dedication to their craft and passion for storytelling have solidified their places as prominent figures in the world of cinema.

Genealogical research on the last name Besson

The surname Besson is of French origin, derived from the medieval given name "Bes," which is of uncertain etymology. The name has roots in the regions of Burgundy and Auvergne in France, where the Besson family has been documented since medieval times. The earliest recorded instance of the name dates back to the 12th century in the town of Mâcon, where a certain Guillaume Besson was mentioned in historical records. Over the centuries, the Besson family spread to various parts of France and beyond, with members immigrating to countries such as England, Canada, and the United States. Today, the Besson surname is relatively uncommon and is borne by individuals of French descent around the world, each with their own unique family history and genealogical roots.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Besson"
• 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

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