BESSE
Besse
Overview:
Besse is a surname of English origin, derived from the Old French word "bes," meaning "collector of taxes." The surname likely originated as an occupational name for someone who worked in the collection or assessment of taxes.
History:
The surname Besse can be traced back to medieval England, where individuals with this name would have been associated with financial or administrative roles within the local community. The Besse surname is found in various regions across England, indicating that different branches of the family may have originated from distinct localities.
Notable Individuals:
- John Besse (1626–1693): An English Quaker preacher and writer who played a significant role in the Quaker community during the 17th century.
- Jim Besse (1932–2005): A British artist known for his abstract paintings and prints, whose work has been exhibited widely both in the UK and internationally.
Modern Distribution:
Today, the surname Besse can be found not only in the United Kingdom but also in other English-speaking countries, such as the United States, Australia, and Canada, often as a result of migration and emigration patterns over the centuries.
Variants:
Variants of the Besse surname include "Bes," "Bess," and "Bessey."
References:
- Hanks, Patrick, et al. (2002) The Oxford Names Companion. Oxford University Press.
- Reaney, P. H., and R. M. Wilson. (1997) A Dictionary of English Surnames. Oxford University Press.
There are approximately 59 people named Besse in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around one in a million people in Britain are named Besse.
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.