Surname Bevan - Meaning and Origin

Bevan: What does the surname Bevan mean?

The last name Bevan is Welsh in origin and derived from the patronymic of the Old Welsh given name “befan”. The meaning of the name is uncertain; although some sources claim it means “young child”, there is no evidence to support this interpretation.

The surname Bevan can be found in Wales and England and is most likely derived from the village of “Bevan” located in Wales. The family name dates back to the 12th century when it was first mentioned in the Pipe Rolls of County Gloucester. It is believed that the earliest known Bevan ancestor was a knight named Sir Roger de Beavyn who lived in the town of Beavyn in the county of Gloucester.

The Bevans have a strong sense of connection to their Welsh heritage, and many members of the family have a passion for Welsh history and culture. The surname Bevan is found throughout Wales and England, but has become increasingly popular in the United States, particularly in areas with large Welsh populations such as coastal Pennsylvania.

Today, the Bevans are a diverse and vibrant family, with members living all over the world. Some Bevans have pursued a variety of careers including business, medicine, law, and academia. The Bevans are also known for their strong sense of community and commitment to helping others. They are often active in charitable organizations and community service initiatives.

Bevan: Where does the name Bevan come from?

The last name Bevan is most commonly found in the United Kingdom, specifically Wales. The name is Welsh in origin, and is derived from the medieval personal name Befan, meaning “son of Evan.”

The name Bevan is also a popular given name in Wales due to the evangelical minister and founder of the Welsh Calvinistic Methodism, Rev. Howell Harris (1714-1773), who was known as "huw Bevan” in recognition of his godfather's surname.

Today, the last name Bevan is used mainly in South Wales, particularly in Glamorgan, Monmouthshire and Carmarthenshire, where the majority of the population is Welsh. Bevan is also a popular surname among Welsh emigrants to Australia and the United States.

The Bevan name has also been well represented in Welsh politics across the centuries, with notable figures including Aneurin Bevan, the Minister of Health responsible for the foundation of the National Health Service, and James Bevan, the Archdruid of Wales.

The Bevan name has also been carried into several prominent English families, such as the musician and composer Josiah Bevan and the Bevan dynasty of New Zealand politicians.

In a nod to its Welsh roots, the last name Bevan still carries a certain level of status and asserts a proud Welsh identity among not just those who bear the surname, but also those who recognize its Welsh origin.

Variations of the surname Bevan

The surname Bevan is a Welsh surname meaning 'son of Evan' and can take many forms. The name is derived from the Welsh given name Ifan which is the Welsh version of John.

Variants of Bevan include: Bevington, Bevin, Bevans, Bevins, Beveridge, Beverley, Bevister, Bavin, Bawdwin, Bowen and Bovin.

The most common alternatives for Bevan are Bevin, Beveridge and Bowen. The spelling of the name could vary depending on the dialect of Welsh spoken at the time and location.

In England, Bevan is most concentrated in Norfolk and Derbyshire, whereas in Scotland it is concentrated in Renfrewshire, Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.

The surnames Ivens, Ivinson, Ifan and Ivon are further variations that also relate to the name Bevan.

The spelling of Bevan is not necessarily the same in all countries. For example, in France, the spelling would be ‘Bévain’, and in Ireland it might be ‘Beavan’.

In Germany, the surnames ‘Biebel’ and ‘Beiblein’ are now considered different spellings of the same name.

The Beordan, Beardon, Bordon and Boordon surnames are also derived from Bevan. These spellings are commonly seen in Australia and New Zealand.

The most common modern spelling of the name in the United Kingdom is Bevan, however, the other spellings remain in use today. This surname creates a wide variety of surnames that all relate back to the same origin, giving a rich diversity to the history of the name.

Famous people with the name Bevan

• Aneurin Bevan: Welsh Labour politician who served as minister of health in the 1945 Labour government and championed the introduction of the National Health Service.
• Bryony Bevan: Artist and sculptor known for exploring the human form and female perspective.
• Jeff Bevan: English actor and producer whose credits include "The Faculty".
• John Bevan: Professional motocross racer who competed in five Grand Prix events from 1991-1993.
• Lawrence Bevan: NHL hockey player who played with the Pittsburgh Penguins and Los Angeles Kings in the mid-1980s.
• Mark Bevan: Composer and music theorist who has written works for orchestra, chamber ensembles, and voice as well as tape and digital music.
• Nicholas Bevan: British actor whose credits include stage and television performances.
• Peter Bevan: British astrophysicist who has studied the collapse of stars and the phenomena of high-energy X-ray radiation.
• Richard Bevan: English actor best known for his roles in television comedy shows.
• Robert Bevan: British painter and member of the Camden Town Group who focused on urban landscapes in an Impressionist style.

Other surnames

Bevard