Beaton

Beaton is a Scottish surname of Gaelic origin, derived from the Gaelic personal name "Bethóc," meaning "life" or "livelihood." The name Beaton is associated with Clan MacBeth, a prominent Scottish clan.

The Beaton surname can be traced back to the early medieval period, where individuals bearing this name were often skilled medical practitioners or healers, known as "beadons" in Gaelic. The Beatons gained recognition for their expertise in medicine and held significant roles as physicians to the Scottish clans.

One notable figure with the surname Beaton was John Beaton (c. 1515 – 1603), who served as the personal physician to Mary, Queen of Scots. His descendants, known as the Beatons of Melgund, continued to distinguish themselves as leading figures in the medical profession.

The Beaton surname has also spread beyond Scotland, with many individuals bearing this name migrating to England and other parts of the United Kingdom over the centuries. Today, the surname Beaton is found across the UK and in various other countries, carried by people from diverse backgrounds and professions.

In modern times, the Beaton surname continues to be associated with a legacy of medical expertise and contributions to society, reflecting the proud heritage of the Scottish clan from which it originates.

There are approximately 5,782 people named Beaton in the UK. That makes it roughly the 1,641st most common surname in Britain. Around 89 in a million people in Britain are named Beaton.

Surname type: Location or geographical feature

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

  • Alan
  • Alexander
  • David
  • Donald
  • James
  • John
  • Michael
  • Neil
  • Paul
  • Richard
  • Robert
  • William

Female

  • Catherine
  • Elizabeth
  • Fiona
  • Helen
  • Jane
  • Karen
  • Laura
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Sarah
  • Susan

Similar and related surnames

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

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