Surname Beauclerk - Meaning and Origin
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Beauclerk: What does the surname Beauclerk mean?
The surname Beauclerk is a habitational name derived from a place name located in the parish of Devon, England. The etymology of the name, which translates literally to 'beautiful church', reflects its probable origin as the site of a grand Anglican church in the Middle Ages.
Beauclerk is a surname of Norman origin, derived from the Latin "bellus clericus" meaning "beautiful priest". This may indicate a direct lineage to a member of the clergy, or simply a fondness for the beautiful edifice created in its honour. It may also have been a surname taken on by someone who lived on the lands of a very grand Anglican church.
The surname was popularized in France in the 1700s when Louis XV made one of his officers the Duke of St. Albans and added the “de Beauclerk” ending to his name. As such, the surname has been adopted by numerous members of the nobility both in Britain and abroad, as well as being passed down over generations through commoners.
Today, the surname Beauclerk remains a common name in Britain and Europe, although it is quite uncommon in the United States. Those who bear the name can trace their roots to the ancient church at what is today a small rural hamlet in Devon, England.
Order DNA origin analysisBeauclerk: Where does the name Beauclerk come from?
The surname Beauclerk is most commonly found in England, particularly in the southeast of the country. It is believed to be a French name which was brought over by the Normans when they invaded England in 1066.
The earliest records of the surname date back to 1273, when it was recorded in Essex. The manor of Beauclerk, located near Freckenham, Suffolk, is the most likely source of its origin. This noble family owned the manor for almost 400 years, and the name was passed down over many generations.
Today, the surname is most often found in counties such as London, Surrey, Kent, and Berkshire. In London, it is especially common in the outer boroughs such as Havering and Bexley. There are also Beauclerk families in Wales, particularly in North Wales.
Outside of England, the name can also be found in other countries such as Canada, the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and Jamaica.
The name Beauclerk is a reminder of the history of this ancient English family, and its presence has spread around the world, with many families now proud to bear the name.
Variations of the surname Beauclerk
The surname Beauclerk is an old French name that comes from the Old French words beau (‘beautiful’) and clerc (‘cleric’).
Variants of the surname Beauclerk include Beauciclair, Beauciclar, Beauciclare, Beauciclère, Beaucicloure, Beauciclow, Beaucicoue, Beaucicdair, Beaucicdare, Beaucicleer, Beauciclyer, Beaucic l’r, Beauciclire and Bauciclier.
Related spellings of the surname Beauclerk include Beauclair, Beauclaire, Beaucleer, Beauclerre, Beaucloure, Beauclone, Beaucle, Bauclir, and Beaucleres.
Surnames that are derivatives of Beauclerk include Beauclairk, Beauchler, Beecher, Bicker, Bockar, Bogart, Boucher, Buckler, Clicker, Cler, clerck, clerke, and Clerkomer.
The surname Beaumeclere is a variant of the surname Beauclerk. It is derived from the Old French words beau (‘beautiful’) and meclere (‘scholar’).
Variants of the surname Beaumeclere include Beaumecleer, Beaumeclere, Baymeclere, Beaumacleer, and Beaumeclyer.
Related spellings and surnames include Boemecler and Behemecleer.
Surnames associated with Beauclerk include Beaumont, Beauchemin, Beal, Meclere, Melcer, Meckerer, Meckler, Mickeller, Mooreclerk, Muckler, Pecleer, Cockler, Boucle, Packer, and Bickler.
Famous people with the name Beauclerk
- Aubrey Beauclerk, 7th Duke of St Albans: member of the British aristocracy and 2nd cousin once removed of Queen Elizabeth II.
- William Beauclerk, 8th Duke of St Albans: member of the British Aristocracy and hereditary Grand Falconer of England since 2016.
- Thomas da Cunha Beauclerk: First Earl of Burford, Jacobite Plotter during the Glorious Revolution.
- Mary Theresa Diana Louisa Beauclerk: daughter of the 7th Duke of St Albans, who became an interior designer and lived in London.
- Richard Beauclerk: Deputy Lieutenant of Greater London and former adjutant of the Honourable Artillery Company.
- James Beauclerk: Snowden agent during the French Revolution, imprisoned in the Bastille.
- Basil Beauclerk: Major of the Royal Army and noted World War II hero.
- Augustus Beauclerk: English ambassador during the American Revolution, best known for his failed attempts to negotiate a peace settlement with the colonies.
- Henry Beauclerk: Anglican Bishop of Chichester in the 19th century and a leader in the Oxford Movement advocating for Christian socialism.
- Sir Thomas Beauclerk: British naval officer who participated in the Battle of Trafalgar and served as captain of the HMS Victory.