Show ContentsBebbys History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

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Bebbys Family Crest Download (JPG) Heritage Series - 600 DPI

Family Crest Download (JPG) Heritage Series - 600 DPI

Etymology of Bebbys

What does the name Bebbys mean?

The proud Norman name of Bebbys was developed in England soon after Norman Conquest of England in 1066. It was name for a friend, and is a somewhat nondescript form of affectionate address, somewhat like pal or mate in modern English. The name translates from the Old French root belfiz of the same meaning. The modern French meaning of the word as son in law was not in place until 1468.

Other sources claim that the name is a local surname from Beauvais in France. and there, we found that "Duke Richard II. in 1027, confirmed the gift of Ansgot de Belvai of land at Belvai to Fescamp Abbey. Fescamp (Fécamp) Abbey is a Benedictine abbey in Fécamp, Seine-Maritime, Upper Normandy, France. 1 2 Founded in 658 by Waningus, a Merovingian count, the abbey still stands today.

As to agree with this postulation, another source weighs in on the debate by simply stating "The town of Beauvais, in France, is however a more likely source for the surname." 3 This author continues "Sir Bevys of medieval romance seems to have no place in veritable history, though Heylin claims him as a real Earl of Southampton. The first instance of the surname that I can call to mind is in Sir John Bevis, or Befs, who took Richard, brother of King Henry III., prisoner in a windmill at the battle of Lewes, in 1264. " 3

Early Origins of the Bebbys family

The surname Bebbys was first found in Herefordshire where Goisbert de Beluaco was listed in the Domesday Book of 1086. 4 Years later, Thomas Beueys was listed in the Assize Rolls for Kent in 1317 and Philip de Beauveys was found in Lancashire in 1321. Early records in Cambridgeshire show Robert de Beueys as holding lands there in 1327. 5

The Pipe Rolls for Hampshire record Odo Belfiz in 1176 and in Gloucestershire, records there show William Beaufiz, Biaufis in 1208. 5

Early History of the Bebbys family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Bebbys research. Another 36 words (3 lines of text) covering the years 1254, 1693, 1715, 1718, 1731 and 1771 are included under the topic Early Bebbys History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Bebbys Spelling Variations

Before the last few hundred years the English language had no fixed system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations occurred commonly in Anglo Norman surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Bebbys were recorded, including Bevis, Bevys, Beavis, Beavys and others.

Early Notables of the Bebbys family

Sir Bevis of Hampshire; and John Bevis (1693-1771), an Welsh doctor and astronomer, best known for discovering the Crab Nebula in 1731. "Born 31 Oct. 1693, at Tenby, Pembrokeshire. His parents occupied a good...
Another 34 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Bebbys Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Bebbys family

The unstable environment in England at this time caused numerous families to board ships and leave in search of opportunity and freedom from persecution abroad in places like Ireland, Australia, and particularly the New World. The voyage was extremely difficult, however, and only taken at great expense. The cramped conditions and unsanitary nature of the vessels caused many to arrive diseased and starving, not to mention destitute from the enormous cost. Still opportunity in the emerging nations of Canada and the United States was far greater than at home and many went on to make important contributions to the cultures of their adopted countries. An examination of many early immigration records reveals that people bearing the name Bebbys arrived in North America very early: Benjamin Bevis who settled in Maryland in 1663; David Bevis settled in New England in 1698; Elizabeth Bevis settled in Virginia in 1654; Carol Bevois (Bevvis) settled in New Netherlands in 1659. This family were registered as a distinguished family in the U.S.A..
  1. The Norman People and Their Existing Descendants in the British Dominions and the United States Of America. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing, 1975. Print. (ISBN 0-8063-0636-X)
  2. Barber, Henry, British Family Names London: Elliot Stock, 62 Paternoster Row, 1894. Print.
  3. Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.
  4. Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)
  5. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)

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