Surname Beddoe - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'B'
Beddoe: What does the surname Beddoe mean?
The surname Beddoe is of Welsh origin and is derived from the Welsh personal name Bedo or Ab Ednowain. Bedo is regarded as the pet form of Meredith, which in Old Welsh is Maredudd. In Welsh, it means "great lord" or "sea lord". The prefix 'Ab' in Ab Ednowain means 'son of', so Ab Ednowain translates to 'son of Ednowain'. Over time and with changes in language, the 'Ab' was dropped or fused with the name, leading to names like Bedo and Beddoe. This surname, like many others, was adopted when surnames became necessary for tax and census purposes, typically denoting familial relationships or professions. However, it is important to note that surname origins can be complex and varied, as names may have been changed or Anglicized over the years. Despite these changes, the surname Beddoe provides a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Wales’ historical and cultural past.
Order DNA origin analysisBeddoe: Where does the name Beddoe come from?
The surname Beddoe is of Welsh origin. It stems from the Welsh male personal name Bedo, which is a pet form of Meredudd or Meredith from the Old Welsh elements "mawr" and "udd," meaning "great lord". Over time, the name transformed into Beddoe.
Traditionally, Welsh surnames were patronymics – based on the father's name – and would change each generation. However, during the 15th century, many families began to adopt a fixed surname, which led to the emergence and permanence of names like Beddoe.
Despite its Welsh origins, the Beddoe surname isn't particularly common in Wales or in the UK today. Like many surnames, it has spread globally due to emigration and colonisation from the UK, particularly during the 19th and 20th centuries. Therefore, individuals carrying the Beddoe surname can now be found scattered across the world, notably in England, the United States, Australia, and Canada. There are no definitive locations where the surname is distinctively common today, but these countries have a larger presence due to historical migration patterns.
Variations of the surname Beddoe
The surname Beddoe is of Welsh origin and it is a variant of the Welsh personal name Bedo, which is a pet form of Meredith. The surname Beddoe can appear in many various forms due to branches in the family, different regional language influences, and changes over time.
Variants of the surname Beddoe could include Beddow, Beddowes, Bedow, Bedo, Bettoe, Bedowes, and Bedoed. The spelling of the surname can also change based on phonetic spelling by non-Welsh speakers, resulting in spellings like Beddoe, Betto, and Bedford. The "s" or "es" ending of the surnames indicates possession or "son of," which is a common naming convention in Wales.
As for the surnames of the same origin, Meredith can be considered one since Beddoe is a diminutive form of it. Meredith itself also boasts variants like Meredyth, Meradith, Merridith, Meridith, Merideth, and Meredydd.
Remember though, the exact spelling can vary greatly even within a single family over generations. Some family members may choose to alter their names to fit a more modern or Anglicised spelling model, or to distinguish themselves from other branches of the family.
Famous people with the name Beddoe
- Don Beddoe: An American character actor who had over 140 on-screen appearances in films and TV series.
- Peter Beddoe: A well-known Welsh operatic and concert singer.
- Rhys Beddoe: A professional rugby union player from Wales.
- John Beddoe: A prominent British physician, ethnologist, and anthropologist during the Victorian era.
- Reg Beddoe: A former Australian rules footballer known for his time with Collingwood in the Victorian Football League.
- Steph Beddoe: A British singer known as a member of the pop group The 409.
- Rev. Rees Beddoe: A prominent minister and missionary from Wales during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
- Glen Beddoe: A Canadian senator appointed by Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
- Neil Beddoe: A prolific British artist known for his many book cover illustrations.
- Beddoe Rees: A prominent architect in Wales during the first half of the 20th century known for designing many churches and civic buildings. While not a household name, these individuals each have established careers in their respective fields and are noteworthy figures with the Beddoe surname.