Surname Bies - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'B'
Bies: What does the surname Bies mean?
The last name Bies is of Dutch origin and has several possible meanings. Generally, it is thought to be derived from an old Dutch word which means ‘cattle’, likely because the early holders of the name were involved in the cattle and livestock trades. Alternatively, it may have been derived from the Dutch words for ‘briar’ or ‘thorn’, likely indicating that the first holders of the name were farmers, living and working amongst such foliage.
The name can also have an occupational origin as a variant of ‘beam’, which is Dutch for beam (a large piece of timber). If this was the case, it would have indicated that the original bearer of the name made his living as a beam maker.
The name Bies can also be found in many European countries such as Germany, France, Belgium, Switzerland, and Hungary. Additionally, the name has been adopted as a given name in several Latin American countries.
In the United States, Bies is fairly uncommon, while in the Netherlands it is quite widespread. Given its derivation and variety of possible origins, the name Bies retains a rich and enlightening history.
Order DNA origin analysisBies: Where does the name Bies come from?
The last name Bies can be found in many countries around the world today. Countries where the last name Bies is particularly common include the United States, Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, Denmark, Norway, Poland, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.
In the United States, the last name Bies can be found in many states, particularly in the Midwest and Northeast. The name is particularly common in Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, and Michigan. In Canada, Bies is particularly common on the prairies, specifically in Manitoba, Alberta, and Saskatchewan.
In Europe, Bies is particularly common in Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium. In Germany, the name is particularly common in the northwest, around the border with the Netherlands. In Austria, Bies is found mainly in the east. In Poland, the name is particularly common in the west and south.
In Australia and New Zealand, the last name Bies is especially common in the cities of Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Perth. In South Africa, the name is particularly common in the Western Cape and Northern Cape provinces.
Overall, the last name Bies can be found in many countries around the world.
Variations of the surname Bies
The surname Bies is generally an Americanized version of the German and Dutch surname Biez. The German language spelling of Bies is Biese while the Dutch spelling is Biez or Bies. Other regional variants of Bies include Bieß, Bieske, Biesen, Biesbach, Beis, Bese, Bieser, Büsse, Büsser, and Büs.
In the German language, the surname Bies is derived from the Middle High German "biß" and Old German "bizzi" which both mean either "Diadem" or "wear he or she wants". This likely refers to a visual symbol of rank or authority in some regions.
In the Netherlands, the surname Biez is derived from two elements of Old Dutch - "biji", which means beech tree, and "hus", which means house. This suggests the surname originated from someone who originally lived in a house near a beech tree, or even possibly owned a property that was bestowed to him with the name ‘Biez’.
The Germanic register of Bies is also linked to the Slavic register of Beis. This could indicate an origin of the surname among the Slavic peoples, though this is largely speculative.
In Americanized versions, the surname Bies may even be a shortened version of other surnames with the same origin such as Biez or Biese.
Famous people with the name Bies
- Tom Bies: An American comic who has been featured on popular television shows such as The Late Show with David Letterman, The Daily Show, and 30 Rock.
- Bob Bies: An American music producer who was best known for his work with the Beach Boys.
- Guy Bies: An American award-winning movie producer who won an Emmy for working on the HBO film Wit and wrote the song "Broken Heart".
- Tim Bies: An American commercial photographer specializing in lifestyle photography and advertising campaigns.
- Charly Bies: An American hip-hop artist and former member of the group House of Pain.
- Gert Bies: An American artist whose sculptures have been displayed in museums around the world.
- Jeroen Bies: A Dutch racing cyclist who competed in the 1965 Tour de France.
- Samuel Bies: A Belgian-born sculptor and painter associated with the Symbolist movement.
- Emile Bies: A Dutch swimmer and Olympic bronze medalist who competed in the 1908 and 1912 Summer Olympics.
- Albert Bies: A Dutch painter known for his Still Life and Realism paintings.