Last Name Beynes

The surname Beynes is believed to have origins in France. It is derived from a place name or a topographic name for someone who lived near a beech tree or grove. The French word for beech is "buis", and the suffix "-es" is a common one used to denote a location. Hence, Beynes may have originated from a place named Les Buisnes or similar, in France. However, it's important to note that surnames often have various possible origins and regional variations, so this is just one of the possible explanations for the name Beynes.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Beynes

The meaning and origin of the last name Beynes

The surname Beynes is of French origin, derived from various place names with the element "Beynes" or "Beines," which is related to the Gallo-Roman personal name "Benignus," meaning kind, gentle, or merciful. Over time, this place name was used as a surname by inhabitants of these locations or their descendants. The name may be found in various spellings such as Beynon, Beinas, and Benes in different parts of the world due to migration and anglicization. This surname is relatively uncommon but has been recorded in several countries including France, England, and Wales.

Geographical distribution of the last name Beynes

The surname Beynes is primarily concentrated in France, particularly in the region of Brittany. According to the French National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE), it is most frequent in the department of Morbihan, where it ranks among the top 4,000 surnames. Outside of France, the name Beynes can also be found in countries with significant French-speaking populations such as Canada, Belgium, and Switzerland. In Canada, the name is predominantly found in the province of Quebec due to historical links between Quebec and Brittany. The distribution of this surname suggests a strong association with French-speaking regions, particularly in Brittany, France and Quebec, Canada.

Variants and spellings of the last name Beynes

The surname Beynes has several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common spelling variations include Baines, Baynes, Bynees, Beynesse, and Beyens. These variations may arise from minor typographical errors during recording or slight phonetic adaptations in different regions. Additionally, the name could also have origins in various languages, leading to different spellings. For example, it could potentially derive from the Old English "Baegna" (meaning warrior) which morphed into Bayn(e)s in Middle English. The Scottish variant of the name might be spelled Baines or Beynes. It is essential to note that these variations do not necessarily indicate different surnames but rather phonetic or orthographic alterations of the same origin.

Famous people with the last name Beynes

The Beynes family is not particularly renowned for having many famous members, but there are a few noteworthy individuals who share this last name.

John Forbes Kerry, born John Forbes Beynon III, is an American politician who served as the 68th United States Secretary of State from 2013 to 2017, and previously as a Massachusetts Senator from 1985 to 2013.

In the field of academia, Marion E. Beynes is recognized for her contributions to the study of African American history and women's history. She is a professor emerita at UCLA and has written numerous books on these subjects.

Lastly, in the world of sports, Dave Beynes is a former professional ice hockey player who played for several teams in the National Hockey League during the 1980s and early 1990s. He was known for his defensive skills and played over 650 games in his career.

Genealogical research on the last name Beynes

The Beynes surname is believed to have origins in France, specifically Normandy. It is derived from the Old French "Beine" meaning 'bean'. This name was originally a nickname for someone who resembled a bean in some way or possibly an occupational name for a grower of beans.

The Beynes family can be traced back to the 12th century in Normandy, with notable members such as Richard de Benei and his son Robert de Beynes, who were mentioned in the 'Rotuli Hundredorum', a census of England and Wales in 1273.

The surname spread to other regions during the Middle Ages due to various historical events like the Norman Conquest of England in 1066 and the Hundred Years War between England and France in the 14th and 15th centuries. Notable Beynes families also settled in Scotland and Ireland, contributing to the dispersal of the name.

In modern times, significant populations of the Beynes family can be found in Canada, Australia, the United States, and England, with the largest concentrations in Quebec, Ontario, and Newfoundland & Labrador. Genealogical research on this surname continues to uncover more about its history and origins, providing insights into the Beynes family's journey across centuries.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "beynes"
• 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 : 30 July 2025

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