BESSEY
Bessey
Overview: Bessey is a moderately uncommon British surname with origins that can be traced back to medieval times. The surname is believed to be of English descent and is to be found predominantly in the southern regions of England.
Origins: The surname Bessey is thought to have originated from the Old English personal name "Bess", a short form of the name "Elizabeth". Elizabeth itself has Hebrew origins and means "God is my oath". Over time, the name Bess evolved to become Bessey, which then became a hereditary surname passed down through generations.
Distribution: Today, individuals with the surname Bessey can be found across various parts of England, but it is most prevalent in the southern regions, particularly in counties such as Sussex, Surrey, and Hampshire. Migration patterns and urbanisation have led to some dispersion of the surname to other parts of the country and even internationally.
Notable Individuals: While the Bessey surname may not be associated with prominent historical figures or celebrities, many individuals bearing this name have made significant contributions in various fields, including academia, arts, business, and more. Researching specific family records or genealogical sources may reveal notable figures or achievements associated with the Bessey surname.
Variations: As with many surnames, variations in spelling can occur over time and in different regions. Common variations of the Bessey surname may include Besse, Bessie, Bessy, and Besay.
References:
- Reaney, P.H., Wilson, R.M. A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1997.
- Hanks, P., Coates, R., McClure, P.. The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2016.
There are approximately 386 people named Bessey in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around six in a million people in Britain are named Bessey.
Surname type: Location or geographical feature
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
- Derek
- James
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Richard
- Wayne
Female
- Barbara
- Charlotte
- Jacqueline
- Jane
- Joanne
- Julie
- Lisa
- Mary
- Patricia
- Rachel
- Sarah
- Victoria
Similar and related surnames
- Abbey
- Beasey
- Bassey
- Basey
- Beasy
- Baisey
- Bassie
- Basye
- Basse
- Bassi
- Bassy
- Bazey
- Basy
- Bease
- Besse
- Bacey
- Baess
- Bawsey
- Bazaya
- Bazuaye
- Bazzy
- Beacey
- Beese
- Beesey
- Beiss
- Bese
- Besey
- Besi
- Bess
- Bessa
- Bessi
- Bessie
- Bessis
- Bessley
- Besso
- Bessone
- Bessy
- Besy
- Besze
- Bewsey
- Bewsy
- Bezy
- Bizzey
- Boissy
- Boosey
- Boosy
- Boozey
- Bosey
- Bossey
- Bossy
- Bosy
- Bousey
- Boussy
- Bowsey
- Bozey
- Bozzay
- Bucey
- Bucy
- Busey
- Bussey
- Bussy
- Busy
- Buzzy
- Bzowy
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.