BEAN

Bean

Overview: Bean is a surname of English origin, derived from the Old English word "bean" or "bean" which refers to a bean or pea plant. The name may have originally been used as a nickname for someone who grew or sold beans or peas.

Distribution: The surname Bean is most commonly found in England, particularly in the northern counties of Northumberland, Durham, and Yorkshire. The name has also spread to other English-speaking countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, often as a result of immigration.

Notable Bearers:

• Alan Bean (1932-2018) - American astronaut who was the fourth person to walk on the moon during the Apollo 12 mission in 1969.
• Rowan Atkinson (born 1955) - English actor and comedian known for his portrayal of the character Mr. Bean in the television series of the same name.
• Jack Bean - fictional character in English folklore, sometimes depicted as a mischievous sprite or elf.

Trivia:

• The Bean family crest features a shield with three green beans on a gold background, symbolising growth and prosperity.
• The surname Bean is also found in Scotland, where it may have derived from the Gaelic word "beathan" meaning "life" or "vitality."

References:

• Reaney, P.H. and Wilson, R.M., A Dictionary of English Surnames (3rd ed.). Routledge, 1991.
• Hanks, P. and Hodges, F., A Dictionary of Surnames. Oxford University Press, 1988.

Surname type: From given name or forename

Origin: Celtic

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: Scotland

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: Gaelic

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

• Andrew
• Christopher
• David
• James
• John
• Michael
• Paul
• Richard
• Robert
• Stephen

Female

• Christine
• Elizabeth
• Emma
• Jacqueline
• Joanne
• Margaret
• Mary
• Nicola
• Patricia
• Sarah
• Susan

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.