Last Name Beverly

The surname Beverley or Beverly is of Old English origin and derived from a place name. Specifically, it's believed to originate from "Bebbanfleot," which means "Bobb's (or Beobba's) stream" in Old English, as recorded in the 10th-century Anglo-Saxon wills. The place name evolved over time into Beverley in East Yorkshire, England, and eventually became a surname in the Middle Ages when people began to take their place names as part of their personal identities. This migration of place names to surnames is a common phenomenon that occurred during the High Middle Ages, particularly after the Norman Conquest in 1066.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Beverly

The meaning and origin of the last name Beverly

The surname Beverly originates from Old English roots, specifically "bever" which means 'bee' or 'bever-hāw' meaning 'bee-meadow'. This name was originally a topographic name for someone who lived in an area covered with shrubs frequented by bees. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the name have evolved, but the original meaning has remained mostly consistent. The name Beverly became more common in England during the Middle Ages, particularly in Yorkshire, and later spread to other parts of the English-speaking world due to migration and colonization. Today, Beverly is a popular surname in various countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Geographical distribution of the last name Beverly

The surname Beverly is predominantly distributed across several regions in the United States, due to its historical origin from England and subsequent immigration during colonial times. According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, states with the highest frequency of the last name Beverly include Texas, California, Florida, North Carolina, and Georgia. The name can also be found in significant numbers in other English-speaking countries such as Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, due to further migration waves. In England, the name is most common in the counties of Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Cheshire. Additionally, variations like Beverley (with an 'e' at the end) are more prevalent in the town of Beverley in East Yorkshire, England. The distribution pattern suggests a strong connection to English-speaking communities both historically and contemporarily.

Variants and spellings of the last name Beverly

The surname Beverly has several variations and spellings, most notably due to differences in spelling conventions over time and across different regions. The primary variation is Beverley, which is the original spelling from the town of Beverley in England. Other variations include Beaverly, Bevely, Bevelie, and Beville. Additionally, there are regional variations such as Beveril in Wales and Beverlee in the Netherlands. It's also worth noting that the name can be found in multiple forms in other languages due to transliteration or misinterpretation of its original pronunciation, such as Beeverli in some Slavic languages. The name Beverly is ultimately derived from Old English elements "beece" meaning "bee" and "leah" meaning "wood", meaning the clearing where bees live.

Famous people with the last name Beverly

The Beverly surname has been associated with several notable individuals across various fields. One of the most renowned is Beverly Sills (1929-2007), an American operatic soprano who was one of the leading singers at the New York City Opera for nearly 30 years. She was also a significant figure in arts administration and a strong advocate for children's health. In the world of sports, there is Magic Johnson (born 1959), a basketball legend known for his illustrious career with the Los Angeles Lakers and his philanthropic work off the court. In literature, James Baldwin (1924-1987) was a prolific author and social critic whose works explored racial identity in America. Lastly, Beverley Mitchell, born in 1981, is an American actress best known for her role as Lucy Camden on the television series 7th Heaven. These individuals exemplify diverse achievements under the shared surname of Beverly.

Genealogical research on the last name Beverly

The surname Beverly is believed to have originated from an Anglo-Saxon word "beofu" meaning bee or beehive and "leah" meaning clearing or meadow, indicating a location where bees were kept. The name was first recorded in England during the reign of King Edward I (1272-1307). Some notable persons with the surname Beverly include Sir William Beverley, an English politician who served as Lord Mayor of London in 1483, and John Beverley Robinson, a Canadian judge and politician who served as the first Chief Justice of Ontario. The name is also common in the United States, particularly in Virginia where many early settlers arrived from England. Variations of the surname include Beverlea, Beverlee, Beverloo, Beverly-Baxter, Beverley-Geddes, and Beverley-Stephens.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Beverly"
• 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 : 27 July 2025

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