Surname Behaeghe - Meaning and Origin

Behaeghe: What does the surname Behaeghe mean?

The name Behaeghe is of Dutch and Belgian origins, which means ‘on the hedge’. It originated from the Dutch ‘van Behaeghe of Beheaghe’ as a designation of someone who lived on or near a hedge.

The name could be found in several contexts. In some cities, Behaeghe was a common term for the middle alley between two houses or buildings, while in some parts of Holland, it was used to describe a lowland located close to a stream.

The name is now fairly common in Belgium where it is one of the most used surnames in the country, though it is also to be found in other countries throughout the world where those of Dutch and Belgian descent have emigrated.

Behaeghe is often variously spelled depending on the origin of the particular family. This may include variants such as Behaegel, Beheygh, Beaimengien, Behaeghel, Beheeghefeld, Behaegheleer, Beauheyghe, Behaeyghe, and Beayghe.

Behaeghe is sometimes associated with noble families such as the Barons de Beheage and Lechamps de Behaeghe. It is also associated with prominent families known for their achievements in the arts, literature, and politics.

The name Behaeghe brings to mind images of living close to nature, with rolling hedges and a generous amount of space. Those with the Behaeghe surname can look back proudly on their lineage and be proud of its strong heritage.

Behaeghe: Where does the name Behaeghe come from?

The last name Behaeghe is most commonly found in the northern-Belgian province of West Flanders. It is an old Flemish and Dutch surname, derived from the Flemish personal name "Beheyt." This name was derived from the Germanic element "Behtar," which translates to “better” in English.

The Behaeghe name is recorded in the old parish records of St. Giles parish, West Flanders as early as 15th century. Behaeghe families lived mainly in the rural areas of West Flanders and were predominantly farmers throughout history.

Today, Behaeghe families are scattered throughout the Netherlands, Belgium, and France. The name is slowly growing in population especially in France’s Nord-Pas-de-Calais region where many people of Belgian descent have moved for economic purposes. Additionally, the name is found among French-speaking regions and Wallonie, which is the French-speaking part of Belgium.

In the United States, the last name Behaeghe is also slowly rising in population thanks to immigration. It is found among those of Belgian, French, and Dutch descent living primarily in California, Michigan, Minnesota, and New York.

Variations of the surname Behaeghe

Behaeghe is a surname of Dutch origin. It is derived from the Old Dutch word 'haeg', meaning 'hedge or enclosure'. Variants of the same surname include Behaage, Behaagen, Behaegel, Behaegele, Behaegell, Behaegen, Behaeghe, Behaegle, Behaeglen, Behaegen, Behaeghe, Behaeglen, Behaegelen, Behaeghel, Behaegheld, Behage, and Behagen.

The spelling of this surname can also be altered due to the spellings of certain regions or countries. As such, the surname can also appear as Behaache, Behaäge, Behaeëge, Behaëghe, or Behaag.

In addition, there are some other surnames derived from the same source. Examples of these include Behage, Behagen, Behaghel, Behaghe, Behaeg, Behaegen, Behaeghel, Behaegelen, Behaegen, Behaeghe, Behaeglen, Behaegle, Behaegheld, and Behaegell.

These surnames are commonly found in the Netherlands, Belgium, and other areas of northern Europe. As such, many of these related surnames have come to North America, Australia, and other such countries due to immigration from these regions.

In some cases, the spelling of the surname has been further modified over time due to changes in pronunciation and dialect. For instance, the surname may also appear as Beaage, Beagel, Beagelen, Beagen, Beahege, Beahage, Behaahen, Behaagee, Behaahge, and Behaahgen.

Overall, the surname Behaeghe has numerous variants and spellings, many of which are related to other Dutch and northern European surnames. Through time, the spelling of this surname has also been altered due to the influence of different languages, dialects, and pronunciation changes in various countries.

Famous people with the name Behaeghe

• Bart Dehaeghe: A former Belgian football midfielder who is known for his signature free kick in a match against the Netherlands.
• Jan Dehaeghe: A former Belgian football defender who currently serves as the head coach of K.V.C. Westerlo.
• Ann Dehaeghe: A Belgian classical pianist who specializes in French Romantic works.
• Etienne Dehaeghe: A Belgian landscape painter who is most famous for his rural landscape scenes.
• Bob Behaeghe: A Dutch actor best known for his roles in films like Pluk van de Petteflet and TV shows such as Hart to Hart.
• Marjolein Behaeghe: A Dutch born fashion designer specializing in recycled and ethical fashion.
• Els Behaeghe: A Belgian homeopath, anthroposophic medical doctor and director of the Colloquium Anthroposophicum Schola Medica at Steiner College.
• Filip Behaeghe: A Belgian producer and composer who has created electronic soundtracks and soundscapes for films, theater, installations, and dance performances.
• Dennis Behaeghe: A Belgian filmmaker, director and screenwriter most known for his short films Onthouzeming and Manuscript.
• David Behaeghe: A Belgian physicist who has published extensively on the theory of condensed matter and is an expert in superconductivity.

Other surnames

Behaegeh