Surname Bever - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'B'
Bever: What does the surname Bever mean?
The surname Bever is of English origin and is derived from the Middle English word "bever," which means "beaver." It was initially used as a nickname and later became a surname for individuals who either resembled a beaver, had characteristics associated with a beaver (such as industry and diligence), or had some connection with the animal, perhaps through trade. The surname might also be related to geographic locations named after beavers, indicating families that lived high up or by a stream or a grove. It's also found in other European countries in various forms due to migration over centuries. These interpretations and origins are speculative due to the diversity and long history of surnames.
Order DNA origin analysisBever: Where does the name Bever come from?
The surname Bever is of Anglo-Saxon origin and it is derived from the Old English term "beofor," meaning "beaver." It was most likely initially used as a nickname for someone who was industrious or busy, akin to a beaver. There are instances where it may be a locational surname, relating to people residing by a river where beavers were plentiful. The surname is first documented in Worcestershire, England during the 11th century.
Today, the surname Bever is relatively uncommon. It can be found in the United States, United Kingdom, Netherlands, and Belgium. In the United States, it's more prevalent in the Midwest states of Ohio, Indiana, Iowa, and Illinois. The name has various spelling versions such as Beaver, Bevers, and Beavor, which may affect its overall distribution and perception of commonness.
Variations of the surname Bever
The surname Bever has a number of variants, spellings, and similar surnames of the same origins. Some of the various spellings and forms of this surname include Beaver, Bever, Bieber, Biever, Beever, Beavers, Bevers, Byver, Biever, Biber, Byber, and Bevvers.
These names derive from the Old English word "beofor" or Middle high German word "biber", both means "beaver". Initial use of this surname was probably as a nickname for a person thought to resemble a beaver in some way, such as someone who was industrious or had prominent teeth.
The different variants reflect regional differences in pronunciation and settlement patterns of the families that carry these names. For example, the "Beaver" and "Bevers" variants are particularly common in England, while the "Bieber" and "Biber" forms are more frequently seen in German-speaking areas.
Moreover, these names can also derive from geographic locations named after this animal, and so can be a reference to a person's place of origin or residence. For instance, someone from a town or village named Bevers or Beaufort could well have been given one of these surnames.
Famous people with the name Bever
- Lynn Bever: An American television producer known for her work on the talk show “Leeza.”
- Rob Bever: An Australian cricketer who played for Queensland during the 1980s and 1990s.
- Joel Bever: An American author known for his books on personal growth and spirituality.
- Sarah Bever: An English actress known for her roles in British TV dramas and comedies.
- Sam Bever: An American musician famous in the indie rock scene for his innovative guitar playing.
- Joslyn Bever: An American model and beauty queen who was crowned Miss Michigan USA 2014.
- Henry Bever: A British entrepreneur, best known as the founder of a popular chain of gyms across the UK.
- A.J Bever: An American professional football player who played in the National Football League. These individuals may not all be globally-acknowledged, but they have made contributions to their respective fields and have a degree of notoriety in their spheres of influence. The last name Bever is not shared with many globally famous people, and this list includes regional celebrities or those known within specific industries.