Surname Beal - Meaning and Origin
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Understanding Surname 'Beal': Profound Insights From iGENEA DNA Test
In pursuing knowledge of my ancestry, I took a DNA test from iGENEA. This report delves into the technical aspects of the test, highlighting its sophistication and accuracy. It also illuminates how this genetic examination has broadened my understanding of the historical and geographical implications of my surname, Beal.
H. Beal
read moreBeal: What does the surname Beal mean?
The surname Beal is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is considered a topographic surname - that is, a surname formed by deriving it from a place where an original bearer lived or held land. Beal is derived from the Old English "beo" and "hyll", which mean "bee" and "hill" respectively. Therefore, the surname Beal could originally have been applied to someone living near a hill where bees were kept, or a hill that was somehow associated with bees.
This name first appeared in Yorkshire, where they held a family seat from ancient times. Over the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to unfold and expand often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling. The variations of the name Beal include Beale, Beall, Bealle, Beel, Beele, Beales, and others.
The name is fairly widespread in the English-speaking world, particularly common in England and the United States. Some Beals descend from English or Scottish emigrants who anglicized de Beale or other similar sounding names upon arrival in an English-speaking country.
Order DNA origin analysisBeal: Where does the name Beal come from?
The surname Beal is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old English term "beo", which means "bee", and "halh", meaning "nook" or "corner". It was used as a locational surname for people living in areas abundant with bees, signifying beekeepers.
The surname also has a geographical origin in northern England, specifically in Northumberland where a village named Beal exists. Another version of etymology suggests a derivation from the Gaelic term "beul," which means "mouth," likely indicating someone who lived near a river mouth.
Today, the surname Beal is common in the United States and Canada as well as the UK. It has gained some popularity due to notable individuals bearing the surname, such as NBA player Bradley Beal. Despite its origins, the surname is not particularly predominant in northern England anymore.
Variations of the surname Beal
The surname Beal has various versions and is derived from several origins, making it widespread across countries like England, Scotland, France, and Ireland. Rath or Beath, a place in Scotland, could be the potential Scottish origin of Beal.
In English, the name could have come from the Old English term "beo," meaning bee, given to a person with a busy or industrious disposition. The name could also be derived from "beohrt" denoting bright or famous. Alternate spellings for Beal in English include Beale, Beall, Beel, Beales, and Beale.
In French, Beal might be a variant of Bel, used to describe people living near a beautiful spot. Possible French versions can be Beale, Beel, or Bael.
When it comes to the Irish origins, Beal may come from the Gaelic names “O’Baoighill” or “O’ Béal,” denoting a boastful person or someone from the mouth (of a river). This surname can have versions like Beale, Beel, Beales, Biel, Boal, Boel, or Beall.
Please note, these names' roots and meanings might differ based on local dialects, translations, and historical changes.
Famous people with the name Beal
- Bradley Beal: A professional basketball player in the NBA, currently playing for the Washington Wizards.
- Jean Beal: A French composer, known for his operatic works and film scores.
- Jeff Beal: An American composer famous for his work on film and television scores, including "House of Cards."
- Will Beal: An American screenwriter who wrote movies like 'Aquaman' and 'Gangster Squad.'
- Cindy Beal: An actress known for her roles in "Another World," and other TV series.
- Bobby Beal: A Professional wrestler from the Golden Age of wrestling.
- Beulah Beal: Was once considered one of the best women poker players in the world.
- Jennifer Beal: An American actress best known for her role in the film "Flashdance" and TV series "The L Word."
- Sam Beal: Current cornerback for the New York Giants in the NFL.
- Tom Beal: A prominent internet marketer and public speaker.
- Jesse Beal: A Major League Baseball pitcher.
- Larry Beal: Former ESPN announcer.
- Nick Beal: A former Rugby Union player for England.