Surname Bess - Meaning and Origin
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Unraveling the Intricate Tapestry of My Surname, Bess, through iGENEA's DNA Analysis
Through the lens of iGENEA's insightful DNA analysis, I stepped on a remarkable journey into my familial roots. The examination delved deep into the origins of my family name, Bess, portraying a captivating picture of my ancestors' lives, their professional roles, and migratory patterns.
B. Bess
read moreBess: What does the surname Bess mean?
The surname Bess is of Hebrew origin and is derived from the biblical name 'Bathsheba,' which means "daughter of the oath" or "true to her oath". Over time, the name was shortened and anglicized to its current form. In other instances, the surname Bess might have originated as a pet name derived from the female given name Elizabeth, which means "God is my oath" in Hebrew. Therefore, the surname generally denotes a familial connection to the past carriers of these given names. It has been used in various forms across different cultures and societies over centuries. As is the case with most surnames, it served the purpose of identifying the lineage or ancestry of an individual. It is worth noting that the meanings and origins of most surnames can vary significantly based on geographical location and cultural background. Despite these varied origins, the majority of the meanings connected with the surname Bess have strong underpinnings related to fidelity, loyalty, and truth.
Order DNA origin analysisBess: Where does the name Bess come from?
The surname Bess is of English and French origin, tracing its roots back to the Norman invasion of England in 1066. The name likely derives from the given name Elisabeth or Bessie and was originally used as a name to denote 'son of Bess'. This implies that the first family to use the name Bess did so because they were the progeny of a woman named Bess.
Over time, the last name Bess also became common in the United States, due to migration from England and France. Today, it remains fairly common in both the United States and England. The name is less common but can be found in Canada, Australia, South Africa, Scotland, and Wales. Thus, this last name exists in a variety of countries where English is spoken. In terms of frequency, the last name Bess is most prevalent in the United States, followed by England and Jamaica. While it's not among the most common surnames, it holds a distinctive place in these mentioned countries.
Variations of the surname Bess
The surname Bess has different variants and spellings that have evolved over time, making it common in different cultures with varying significance. It originated from different sources including the personal name, location, or occupation.
A few variants and spelling alternatives for the surname Bess include Bess, Bessy, Bessey, Besset, Bessett, and Bessette. Moreover, surnames that are said to be of the same origin are Bass, Bes, Bez, Bezz, Bezzy, and Bezzi, which are likely an outcome of phonetic transcription.
Sources also suggest possible links of the surname Bess to Besse, Beasi, Beasor, Beast, and Beaussere. Other possible variants might include Bays, Baise, and Besser.
In terms of origin, the surname Bess appears to have roots in different regions including England, Ireland, and France. It may have emerged as a patronymic derived from personal names such as Elizabeth or Bessie. In other instances, it could have been adopted as a nickname or derived from a geographical location. Please note these are possible interpretations and may require further genealogical research for validation.
Famous people with the name Bess
- David Bess: He is a known actor in Hollywood, popular for his roles in films like Pearl Harbor, Godzilla, and Planet of the Apes.
- Mike Bess: He is a popular former American football player who played as a Linebacker for the National Football League.
- Davone Bess: Another American football-related celebrity, Davone used to play as a wide receiver in NFL. He was most known for his time while playing for the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns.
- Michael Bess: A distinguished historian at Professor at Vanderbilt University, Bess specializes in the history of twentieth-century Europe, World War II and the history of technology.
- Daisy Bess: A known American entrepreneur, she is the CEO of TBM Carriers, a leading company in the field of international transportation service in Mexico.
- Pura Mary Bess: A famous British actress and singer. She was known as the "Irene Bordoni of England" during her successful career. It should be noted that famous jazz singer Bessie Smith is often mistaken to have Bess as her last name but it's actually her first name. Similarly, the character Bess Houdini, wife of the famous magician Harry Houdini, was also a famous person but Bess was her first name, not last.