Surname Bezold - Meaning and Origin

Bezold: What does the surname Bezold mean?

The surname Bezold is a Germanic patronymic surname which originates from the word ‘Bezo’, an Old Germanic word meaning ‘bold’ or ‘brave’. It is likely that the first name Bezo was an ancestor or relative of the family that was regarded for their bravery.

Over time, this surname is believed to have evolved from Bezo to Bezold and its variations such as Bezoldi, Bezolt and Bezzould. Records of the Bezold surname can be tracked back to the 12th and 13th centuries in various German regions, particularly in the area of Silesia. This suggests that members of the Bezold family were involved in local activities such as farming, politics, and the church.

Today, the Bezold surname continues to be common throughout Germany. This family name and its variations are found in many countries including Austria, Switzerland, the United States, and even Canada.

The surname Bezold, with its meaning of bold and brave, is a reminder of the courage, strength, and determination of its original family. Its long history suggests that it has been successfully passed down through generations, making it a remarkable piece of the family's heritage.

Bezold: Where does the name Bezold come from?

The last name Bezold is primarily seen in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland today. It is believed to have originated in one of these countries, with some citing Bavaria as a likely location. This was due to the fact that the German word “Bezold” could refer to a person who lived by a mountain, and the term ‘bezoldig' could be translated as ‘in the mountains’.

Bezold is a common name in Germany, where it is found primarily in Uckermark, Brandenburg, and Saxony. In Austria, it is often seen in the regions of Salzburg and Vienna, while it is less commonly seen in the urban areas of the country. In Switzerland, Bezold is most common in the canton of Zurich.

The name can also be found in a small number of other countries, including the United States, Canada, and South Africa. In the U.S., Bezold has been recorded in Pennsylvania, Minnesota and Arizona, among other places. In Canada, it appears in the cities of Toronto and Vancouver, while in South Africa it has been noted primarily in KwaZulu-Natal.

Overall, more than 1,000 people carry the Bezold family name worldwide, showing that the name is relatively rare, but not vanishing. In countries such as the United States and Canada, the name is even making a comeback as second and third generation immigrants become part of the population.

Variations of the surname Bezold

Bezold is an uncommon German surname of unknown origin. It has several spelling variants including Bezoldt, Bezoldte, Bezolte, Bezolt, Bezoltte, Bezolde, Bezoltl, and Bezoltz.

The spelling variants of Bezold are not the only forms of the surname. Most surnames, including Bezold, have been adapted to different countries or regions, resulting in regional variations that contribute to the name's evolution and spread.

The most common form of the surname is Bezoldt/Bezoldte, found mainly in the Bavarian region of Germany. Other variants of the name are found in other parts of Germany and the wider Germanic-speaking world. A variant of Bezold, Bezolte, is found in Austria, while Bezolt is used by some Members of the Jewish faith.

In the United States, Bezold has been adapted to several spellings, including Bezolet, Bezol and Bezoltt. In Poland, the surname Bezold may be seen as Bezoldz.

Bezold is a rare surname, and one that has evolved and adapted over time. Despite its variations in spelling across different regions, it is clear that it originates as a single family name used in the Germanic regions.

Famous people with the name Bezold

• Friedrich von Bezold (1837–1907): a German physicist and meteorologist involved in balloon experiments and thermometry.
• Wilhelm von Bezold (1837–1907): a German botanist and writer in the field of algology.
• Erich von Bezold (1859–1922): a German engineer and aviator.
• Hans von Bezold (1837–1907): a German physicist and naval expert.
• Adolf Bezold (1862–1937): a German physicist and chemist.
• Eugen Bezold (1837–1907): a German physicist and acoustician who also wrote extensively on the subject of sound.
• Carl von Bezold (1845-1917): a German chemist and inventor who developed the Bezold-Brücke.
• Wolfgang von Bezold (1854-1917): a German astronomer and physicist.
• Fridolin von Bezold (1903-1985): a German physicist and professor at the University of Freiburg.
• Klaus von Bezold (1901-1992): a German actor who appeared in over fifty films from the 1920s to the 1960s.
• Ulrich von Bezold (1915–1986): a German physician and navy secretary who was the head of the German Navy Department in the 1960s.
• Walter von Bezold (1871-1942): a German mathematician, physicist, and astronomer.
• Michael von Bezold (1928-2009): a German painter and sculptor.
• Sarah Bezold (b. 1988): an American professional bridge player.
• Barbara Bezold (b. 1946): an American author and illustrator.
• Hans Bezold (b. 1948): a German football coach and former player.
• Maximilian Bezold (1831-1889): a German musicologist, composer, music critic, theoretician, and editor.

Other surnames

BezollBezolt