Surname Beals - Meaning and Origin

'Redefined Heritage: How iGENEA DNA Test Deepened My Connection to the Beals Name’

Delving into the depths of my heritage through my iGENEA DNA test result, it led to a profound shift in my understanding of my personal identity – particularly the meaning of my surname, Beals.

M. Beals

Beals: What does the surname Beals mean?

The surname Beals is of English origin and commonly believed to derive from the Old English term "beo," meaning "bee," and "hyll," which means "hill." It is sometimes considered to be a topographic name, given to individuals who lived near a hill where bees were kept or a place noted for its honey production. The name likely signifies one who either lived by the 'Bee Hill' or worked as a beekeeper. The surname Beals first appeared in Northumberland, a county in North East England. However, variations of the name exist across Europe due to the migration and spread of people over time. As with many surnames, the meaning of Beals is not definitive and may vary based on historical and regional contexts.

Beals: Where does the name Beals come from?

The surname Beals is of English origin, deriving from the pre 7th century Old English name 'Byle' or 'Bele', which means `friend` or `good companion`. In certain regions of England, it could transform into Beal or Beale, and later into Beals with the addition of an 's', which signifies 'son of' or 'descendant of’.

The surname is found in early tax rolls and other historical documents, which indicate the presence of individuals named Beals in England dating back to the Middle Ages. Over time, the surname spread across the English-speaking world, especially in former British colonies.

Today, the Beals surname can be found in countries such as the United States, Canada, England, and Australia, among others. In the United States, it tends to be most common in the states of Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire, likely reflecting the early English immigration patterns to the New England region. Nonetheless, it's worth mentioning that Beals isn't a particularly common surname worldwide, even in these regions. Overall, the prevalence and distribution of the Beals surname today reflect historical migration, settlement, and cultural diffusion patterns.

Variations of the surname Beals

The surname Beals is of English origin and is primarily a patronymic or paternal name. There are several variants and related surnames, often resulting from regional pronunciation differences and record-keeping practices. The surname Beals also belongs to the large category of Anglo-Saxon habitation names, which are derived from pre-existing names for towns, villages, parishes, or farmsteads. Alternative spellings or variations of Beals can often include Beales, Beal, Beall, Bealles, Beaille, Beel, Beels, and Beale. Most of these names are derived from the old English words "beo" and "hyll", which mean "bee" and "hill", respectively. In this context, the surname Beals could mean "bee hill".

Moreover, the surname Beal is sometimes an Americanized spelling of French Beaulieu or Boulieu, habitational names from any of several places called Beaulieu and Boulieu, meaning 'beautiful place'. It can also be a respelling of the French Belleau or Bellaux, from a place name or a nickname meaning 'fair spring' or 'well'.

Ancestors of the Beals family might have been given the name as an occupational handle that evolved from their career or trade, similar to Smith (from blacksmith) or Thatcher (from roof thatcher).

Famous people with the name Beals

• Jennifer Beals: Actress, Model, Activist
• Amanda Beals: Political Strategist
• Scott Beals: Animator, Creative Director
• Jason Beals: Programmer, Developer
• Talia Beals: Singer
• Mark Beals: Actor
• Ricardo Beals: MMA Fighter
• Lou Beals: Professional Baseball Player
• George Beals: Writer
• Joan Beals: Journalist
• Ashley Beals: Choreographer
• Eva Beals: Artist
• Mercedes Beals: Olympic Figure Skater
• Milos Beals: Golfer
• Gary Beals: Actor
• Arthur Beals: Architect
• Alfred Beals: Bishop
• Tyler Beals: Rapper
• Gani Beals: Soccer Player
• Isaac Beals: Music Producer

Other surnames

BealBealeBealerBealesBeallBeall/BellBealle