Surname Bedel - Meaning and Origin
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Bedel: What does the surname Bedel mean?
The last name Bedel is of French origin and likely has its roots in the Middle Ages. The name is derived from the French word "bedel," which means "bailiff" or "messenger." Through the centuries, the name has evolved to become a powerful and widely-used surname in Europe.
Over time, the Bedel surname has spread throughout the world and is found in many languages and countries, including French, German, Italian, Spanish, and English. In some areas, it has evolved to slightly different spellings such as Bedell or Bedull.
At its core, the Bedel name is associated with the concept of messenger, bailiff, or even messenger-lord. It implies that one bearing this name has an important role to play and a degree of influence, which was likely very attractive when the name originated. This idea of an influential person associated with the name has stayed consistent over the centuries.
Today, the name Bedel is a tribute to rich heritage. Those who bear the name can trace their roots back to a time of significant change and power in Europe. They can take pride in having held positions of influence throughout the ages which have had a lasting impact. It is a last name of honor, spine, and respect.
Order DNA origin analysisBedel: Where does the name Bedel come from?
The surname Bedel is most commonly found in France, where it first appeared in the 13th century. According to some sources, the original Bedel was an Anglo-Saxon family that settled in the then-province of Lower Normandy. Other sources link the name to Breton or to one of the Middle-Ages Germanic tribes, customs that migrated to France in the 5th century - although this is more speculation than established fact.
Today, the surname is still quite common in France, particularly in Brittany, Centre, Auvergne, Champagne-Ardenne, Normandy and Ile-de-France regions. Outside of France, the most common locations are in Luxembourg, Belgium and Germany, as well as a number of other countries in continental Europe. In the Americas, particularly in Latin America, the name Bedel can be found too; though this is more likely related to families who migrated to the region from France or other European countries.
In the English-speaking world, the surname Bedel is much less common, which is probably a reflection of fewer migrations and number of families bearing this name. In the UK, it is mainly found in London, as well as a few other counties, notably Hampshire and Berkshire. The same goes for the US, where the last name Bedel can be found in the states of California, Indiana, Florida, Pennsylvania and New York. So while the surname might be scattered across the world, its origins still remain firmly rooted in France.
Variations of the surname Bedel
The surname Bedel has multiple variants, spellings and surnames that can trace their origin to the same root. The most common variant of Bedel is Beadle, which is the form found mainly in areas of Britain. Beadle is sometimes spelled as Beadel or Bedel. In Northern France, the name is found as Bedelle, while in southern France, it is generally found as Bédel. In Germany and in Austria, the spelling becomes Biedl or Biedler.
In some cases, the surname Bedel has been shortened to just Bel or Bell. The French Bedelle is an Old French form of the name which is connected to the Latin word bidellus, meaning servant or messenger.
In other places, the name Bedel has changed or been altered over time. The names Buddell and Bedwell are variations on Bedel and Beadle, both of which have existed in England since the 12th century. The German spellings Vandel and Wandel may also have connections to Bedel in some cases.
The variations of the name Bedel also lead to some interesting surnames. Examples include Badilla, Bedaze, Tedell, Wadlow, Bedell, Wedel, Bedley, Wiedel, Bedly and Videl. While many of these surnames still appear to be connected to Bedel, their exact origin and relationship to Bedel remain unknown.
Famous people with the name Bedel
- Garret Bedel: American mountaineer who summitted Mount McKinley five times and was awarded a National Endowment for the Humanities Fellowship.
- Paul Bedel: French artist, painter and sculptor who has exhibited his work widely in Europe.
- François Joseph Bedel: French historian from the 18th century who is best known for his works on French history.
- Terry Bedel: American politician who served in the Indiana House of Representatives from 1993 to 2007.
- August Bedel: German musician who composed the Books of Salvation and the Book of the Timesclassical works in the early 19th century.
- Mike Bedel: American figure skater who competed at two U.S. Figure Skating Championships and won the 2012 Canadian National Championship.
- Jacob Bedel: 19th century politician in Indiana who was a member of the Indiana Senate from 1837-1841.
- Rocky Bedel: Canadian poet from the Maritimes who is known for her work exploring themes like grief, mental health, and nature.
- Abraham Bedel: Colonial American officer during the French and Indian War.
- Vincent Bedel: Dutch priest and politician in the 19th century who founded the Dutch Christian Democratic Party.