BEARD
Beard
Overview
Beard is a surname of English origin, derived from the Old English word "beard," which referred to a beard or facial hair. It is classified as a topographic or occupational surname, indicating a person who wore a beard or perhaps one who worked with beards, such as a barber.
History
The Beard surname dates back to medieval England, with the earliest recorded instances found in the 11th century Domesday Book. It was prevalent in the Anglo-Saxon period and has continued to be passed down through generations, evolving into a common English surname.
Distribution
The surname Beard is widely distributed across the United Kingdom, with notable concentrations in regions such as Yorkshire, Kent, and Norfolk. Over time, individuals bearing the surname have spread to other parts of the world, particularly to countries within the former British Empire.
Notable Bearers
Several notable individuals have borne the surname Beard throughout history, including:
- Thomas Beard (c. 1595-1632), an English divine and poet, known for his work in religious discourse.
- Amanda Beard (born 1981), an American Olympic swimmer, descended from British ancestry, with a successful career in competitive swimming.
- Mary R. Beard (1876-1958), a British historian and feminist, renowned for her work in classical history and archaeology.
Variants
The surname Beard has various regional and historical variants, including Beardmore, Beardsell, and Beardon. These variations reflect the evolution of the surname over time and its adoption by different family lines.
In conclusion, the surname Beard holds a rich history rooted in English heritage, with a legacy of diverse bearers who have made significant contributions to various fields. Its prevalence and enduring presence illustrate its enduring significance within British and global communities.
There are approximately 13,580 people named Beard in the UK. That makes it the 657th most common surname in Britain. Around 209 in a million people in Britain are named Beard.
Surname type: Nickname
Origin: English
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: England
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: English
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Andrew
- Christopher
- David
- James
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Richard
Female
- Emma
- Helen
- Jacqueline
- Julie
- Karen
- Margaret
- Mary
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
- Bard
- Baird
- Barda
- Baarda
- Baiardi
- Baert
- Baerd
- Baard
- Bairds
- Bear
- Beara
- Bearde
- Bardai
- Barde
- Bardeau
- Bardes
- Bardi
- Bardie
- Bardo
- Bardoe
- Bardou
- Bards
- Bardy
- Barrd
- Baud
- Bayard
- Beaird
- Beardes
- Beardow
- Beards
- Beardy
- Beart
- Behard
- Beird
- Berd
- Berdah
- Berdai
- Berde
- Berdie
- Berdo
- Berdoe
- Berdou
- Berdy
- Bierd
- Bird
- Birde
- Board
- Boarde
- Boards
- Bord
- Borde
- Bourd
- Bourde
- Burd
- Burde
- Burrd
- Burred
- Baiardo
- Bairdow
- Barday
- Bardey
- Bardia
- Bardow
- Bardua
- Baude
- Bearden
- Bearder
- Beardon
- Beare
- Bears
- Beraud
- Berdos
- Biard
- Birdi
- Birds
- Borda
- Bordi
- Buard
- Burda
- Burdi
- Burds
- Barot
- Barrat
- Barrett
- Barretto
- Brade
- Bradie
- Bratt
- Brett
- Brito
- Brodie
- Burt
- Burtt
- Byard
- Byrd
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.