Surname Bemis - Meaning and Origin

Bemis: What does the surname Bemis mean?

Bemis is a surname of French origin. It is believed to have derived from the medieval French word "bemais", which refers to a place covered with broom - a type of hearty, yellow-flowered bush common in Europe (known scientifically as Cytisus scoparius). Bemis would therefore be designated to someone who lived or came from such a location. Over time, it came to be used as a family name in various languages and cultures. Although it is primarily associated with French heritage, its actual distribution is global due to historical migrations. It is important to note that the meaning of a surname can differ based on regional and historical contexts. Nowadays, surnames are often used for identification purposes and are less connected with their original meanings.

Bemis: Where does the name Bemis come from?

The surname Bemis is of English origin and it is believed to originate from Bemersyde, a location in the Roxburghshire, in the Scottish Borders. The name made its way to England following the Norman Conquest in 1066. The earliest documentation of this surname has been found in Bedfordshire, England towards the end of the 13th century.

The name can also be derived from the Middle English word "beme," meaning a trumpet or horn, hinting that the original bearers might have been horn blowers or musicians. However, another theory suggests that it may be of Norman origin, derived from the Old French term "beau mes," which translates to "beautiful mansion," hinting at a possible noble status of the original bearers.

The surname migrated to North America along with the arrival of European settlers where it became more common. According to recent census data, the Bemis surname is most numerous in the United States, particularly in the states of California, Massachusetts, and New York. It is less common today in the UK and Scotland but still exists. Other international concentrations can be found in Canada, France, and Australia.

Variations of the surname Bemis

The surname Bemis is believed to be of English origin and it is quite a unique surname. Alternate spellings for Bemis are relatively limited due to its distinctive phonetic composition. The surname might also be represented as Beemis, Beemiss or Bemeis in some records.

Some variations of the surname Bemis in the early immigrant United States records include Bemes, Bemiss, Bemys, Beamis, and Beamiss. In some documents, you will find it as Bemish too. The variation Bemiss is listed in many genealogical records, which could have been due to phonetic transcription at the time.

There are a number of different methods that were used to create surnames, one of which was to use the location of the person. The surname Bemis could have been derived from Bemersyde, a place in Scotland, which means 'the bend in the river' in old English and Scottish. However, it is not guaranteed that all individuals carrying the surname Bemis or its variants have the same origin. Understanding the origin and variation of the surname Bemis is integral to genealogical research.

Famous people with the name Bemis

• Max Bemis: An American musician, vocalist, and primary lyricist of the rock band Say Anything. He has also worked on several comic books.
• Bill Bemis: A noted scientist and Ernest Everett Just Professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Cornell University.
• Dan Bemis: An American musician, noted for being the bass guitarist of the rock bands; River City Rebels and Armor for Sleep.
• John Bemis: An American author of children's books, including "The Nine Pound Hammer", which is part of the Clockwork Dark Trilogy.
• Steve Bemis: An American soccer player who played in the North American Soccer League in late 1970s and early 1980s.
• Sheri Bemis: An American photographer and wife of musician Max Bemis. She is also known for her blog documenting their life on the road.
• Horace Bemis: A 19th century merchant and manufacturer prominently known in Amherst, New Hampshire. While not exactly a celebrity, he was a significant historical figure in his region.
• S.A. Bemis: An inventor known for establishing the S.A. Bemis & Company, and creating several patents related to toilet design. His invention, the "Bemis Boston Water Closet" was quite popular.

Other surnames

BemischBemiss