BEWLEY
Bewley
Origin and Meaning: Bewley is a British surname with Old English origins, derived from the words 'beo' meaning bee and 'leah' meaning clearing or meadow. The name likely originated as a locational or topographical surname for someone who lived near a meadow or clearing frequented by bees.
Distribution and Frequency: The surname Bewley is relatively uncommon in the United Kingdom, with most individuals bearing the name found in England. While the name may be more prevalent in certain regions or localities, its frequency across the country is limited.
Notable Bearers:
- Thomas Bewley (1786–1865): An English businessman and philanthropist who founded the renowned Bewley's Oriental Cafés in Dublin, Ireland.
- Bewley Family of Dublin: The Bewley family of Dublin, originating from Joshua Bewley who established a tea and coffee business in 1835, became synonymous with quality beverages and hospitality in Ireland.
Variants: Variants of the Bewley surname include Bewly, Beawley, and Bawley.
Coat of Arms: The Bewley family crest features symbols such as bees and meadow-like motifs, reflecting the name's etymological roots.
Modern Significance: While no longer as widely used as in the past, the surname Bewley endures as a reminder of the family histories and legacies associated with individuals bearing this name.
References:
- Hanks, P., Coates, R., & McClure, P. (2016). The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland. Oxford University Press.
- Cottle, B. H. (1983). The Penguin Dictionary of Surnames. Penguin Books.
- Burke, B. (2009). The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales. Heritage Books.
There are approximately 1,577 people named Bewley in the UK. That makes it roughly the 5,140th most common surname in Britain. Around 24 in a million people in Britain are named Bewley.
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
- Alan
- Andrew
- Christopher
- David
- Gavin
- James
- John
- Paul
- Peter
- Philip
- Richard
- Stephen
- Thomas
- William
Female
- Amanda
- Christine
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Joanne
- Margaret
- Mary
- Nicola
- Patricia
- Samantha
- Sarah
- Sharon
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.