Surname Bede - Meaning and Origin
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Bede: What does the surname Bede mean?
The last name Bede is of Norman origin. It is derived from the Old French word "bede," which can be translated as either "prayer" or "praying one." The name also has roots in the Old English name Beada. This name was derived from the Anglo-Saxon word "beadu," which translates to "battle" or "warrior."
The last name Bede is thought to be associated with the Anglo-Saxon Benedictine monk, known as the Venerable Bede. His works served to bring Latin and cultural studies to medieval Europe, and is credited with the realm's introduction to Christianity.
The Bede surname was predominantly found in England, where records show it was first registered by the 13th century. The Bedes were believed to have been an influential, landed family. Records indicated that members of the family held various dignities in the shire of Durham. Others held tenure in offices such as sheriffs, members of parliament, and Justices of the Peace.
The Bedes also had strong links to the British navy, and the family had several members who held notable positions in the service. The last name Bede is still found mainly in the British Isles today. It is mostly associated with England and Wales.
Order DNA origin analysisBede: Where does the name Bede come from?
The last name Bede is believed to have originated in France and is likely a variation on the name “Bedeau.” It has been widely spread throughout the world and is common in many countries today.
Within the United States, Bede is a relatively rare surname, but some areas of the country have higher concentrations than others. Generally, Bede is more common in areas with Scott-Irish heritage, such as Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and New England. In fact, it is a fairly common surname in these areas.
In Europe, Bede is most common in France, Germany, and the Netherlands. While it isn’t extremely common in these countries, it is still seen in significant numbers. The surname is also common in western Canada, particularly in Quebec.
In the Asia-Pacific region, Bede is also a relatively common surname, particularly in Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore. It is also found in India, where it is primarily a Hindu surname, usually derived from Sanskrit origins.
To sum up, the last name Bede is not extremely common in any location, but it can be found in many countries today. It is most common in areas in which Scott-Irish heritage is predominant, as well as in parts of Europe, North America, and the Asia-Pacific region.
Variations of the surname Bede
The surname Bede has numerous variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. The most common forms of bede are Bad/Baden/Bead/Beaden/Beadin/Beadon/Bed/Bedd/Bedden/Beddin/Beddon/Beden/Bedene/Bedin/Beds/Beden/Bidd/Bidden/Biddon/ Bedon/Bedown/Beeton/Biddin/Biddon/Biddin/Beedon/Been/Beeton/Beddin/Bedden/Beddin/Beddon/ Bedon etc. Bede is also a variant of the French surname Beaudesert.
The Anglo-Saxon name Bede is derived from the Old English word bedu, meaning animal or beast, and was used as a nickname for a wild person or a brave warrior. It is also thought to be related to the Old English word bedan, which means to command, and was often used as a term of endearment. Bede can also be linked with the Middle English word bed, which means to beseech or to make supplication or a request.
It is thought that Bede may also be an occupational name, derived from the Old English word bede, which means to pray or to entreat. Someone who possessed this surname may have worked in a role associated with prayer or religious practice.
In addition, Bede and its variants can be linked to the German and Dutch surname Boyde. This was initially a nickname for a brave person, derived from the Old High German words boit and boide, meaning bravery.
Bede and its variants are quite a unique surname, but with its multiple derivations and spellings, it would be relatively easy to trace its history. With its many variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin, Bede is an unusual and interesting surname to explore.
Famous people with the name Bede
- Thomas Bede (1791–1860), English Catholic theologian
- Diane Bede (born 1931), Australian politician
- Agron Bede (born 1989), Albanian-Italian footballer
- Samantha Bede, Canadian singer and actress
- Isaac Bede (1817–1878), English manufacturer
- Susie Bede (1930–2019), British paediatrician
- Dave Bede (1932–1997), Australian rugby league footballer
- Robert Bede (1846–1919), British Roman Catholic priest
- John Bede (1917–1995), Australian cartoonist
- Anastasia Bede (born 1996), Albanian singer