Surname Bessette - Meaning and Origin

Bessette: What does the surname Bessette mean?

Bessette is a French surname that is thought to have originated from the French verb "baisser" which means 'to lower or decrease.' This suggests it may have originally been a derogative or occupational nickname given to someone of lowly status, a servant, or someone short in stature. However, the exact origin and meaning of the surname have been lost over time and various collisions of cultures, making it difficult to outline a precise definition. It's also worth noting that surnames could have regional variations and different interpretations across areas. Some famous people with the last name Bessette include Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, an American publicist and wife of John F. Kennedy Jr., and Saint André Bessette, a Canadian religious leader.

Bessette: Where does the name Bessette come from?

The last name Bessette is of French origin. It is a diminutive form of the name Besset, derived from a nickname for a person considered "besu" (elderly) in Old French. Additionally, there are several places in France named Besset, Bessette, and similar variations, suggesting the surname could also be locational. The name spread across areas of French influence through the years, mainly due to migration.

Nowadays, the Bessette surname is common in North America, specifically in the United States and Canada due to the French-speaking people's influx in these countries' early settlement years. In Canada, it's more prevalent in the Quebec province where a large French-speaking population resides. A notable bearer of the surname in North America was Saint Marie-Marguerite d'Youville (née Bessette), the first native-born Canadian to be declared a saint. Pop culture also brought attention to the name via Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, the wife of John F. Kennedy Jr. Despite these, the surname Bessette is still quite common in its country of origin, France.

Variations of the surname Bessette

The surname Bessette is a French Canadian surname and is a form of the ancient French given name Besset. Variants of the surname Bessette include Beset, Besett, Bisset, Bissett, Bessett and Besette. The surname is often found in Quebec, Canada due to French-Canadian heritage. Surnames sharing the same origin as Bessette are often French or French-Canadian, including surnames like Bessette-la, Gravel-Bessette, Bessette-Boulanger, and Bessette-Daoust. Additionally, there may be numerous ways to spell Bessette, particularly in areas where French language influence is less prevalent. This may result in spellings such as Bessete, Bessett, Besete, or other phonetic variations. However, it is important to note that surnames can often change over generations due to factors like immigration, regional language influences, and personal preference. Therefore, tracking the exact lineage and variants of a surname can prove to be quite complex.

Famous people with the name Bessette

• Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy: She was a publicist for Calvin Klein and the wife of John F. Kennedy Jr., the son of the 35th U.S. President John F. Kennedy.
• Ben Bessette: An American professional wrestler, who performed under the ring name, "Dynamite D".
• Philippe Bessette: A Canadian priest who was declared Blessed and is recognized as a martyr by the Catholic Church.
• Lisa Bessette: The identical twin sister of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, who led a relatively private and secluded life away from the media before and after the tragic death of Carolyn and John F. Kennedy Jr.
• Francoise Bessette: A French journalist and author best known for his autobiographical works.
• Louis Bessette: A French Canadian composer and pianist, known for his significant contributions to Canadian music.
• Jean-Laurent Bessette: A professional Canadian football offensive lineman who is currently a free agent.
• Anne Marie Bessette: A famous Canadian painter, known for her expressionist and abstract works.
• Guillaume Bessette: A Canadian novelist and short story writer, who has earned accolades for his unique writing style and storytelling abilities.

Other surnames

BessetBessett