Show ContentsBeys History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Etymology of Beys

What does the name Beys mean?

The German state of Bavaria is the ancestral home of the Beys family. Beys is a local name. Beys is a name for someone who lived in Southern Germany. Further research showed the name was derived from the name the Celtic tribe of the "Boii" who once inhabited this area as well as Bohemia. Beys is derived from the Latin root word Bauari, which means Bavarian people. In the 6th century, the Boii were replaced by a Germanic tribe, a branch of the Marcomanni, who adapted the name Boioarii or Baiuarii. Beyer is also the German and Ashkenazic Jewish name for someone from Bavaria, or Bayern.

Early Origins of the Beys family

The surname Beys was first found in Bavaria, where the name was anciently associated with the tribal conflicts of the area. They declared allegiances to many nobles and princes of early history, lending their influence in struggles for power and status within the region. They branched into many houses, and their contributions were sought by several leaders in their search for power. The name is related to "Bayer," both names referring to the Kingdom of Bavaria, but from early on "Beyer" and its variations formed distinct branches. A high percentage of these branches moved into Silesia, a region just north east of Bavaria.

Early History of the Beys family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Beys research. Another 141 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1716, 1747, 1786 and 1803 are included under the topic Early Beys History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Beys Spelling Variations

Many cultural groups lived in the German states in medieval times. Each had its own dialect and traditions, and unique variations of popular names. Low German, which is similar to contemporary Dutch, was spoken in Westphalia. German names are characterized by additions such as regional suffixes and phrases that tell something about the origin or background of its original bearer. Further contributing to the variation in German names was the fact that there were no spelling rules in medieval times: scribes recorded names according to their sound. The recorded spelling variations of Beys include Beyer, Beyere, Beyerre, Beier, Beir, Beiere, Beierre and many more.

Early Notables of the Beys family

Another 33 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Beys Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Beys family

European migration to North America began in the mid-17th century and continued unabated until the mid-20th. Many Bavarians made the long trip to escape poverty or persecution based on their religious beliefs. The chance for tenant farmers to own their own land was also a major drawing card. They settled all across the United States in Pennsylvania, Texas, New York, Illinois, and California. Many came to Canada also, settling in Ontario and the prairie provinces. Analysis of immigration records has shown some of the first Beyss to arrive in North America, and among them were: Andreas Beyer, who came to Philadelphia, Pa. in 1731; Charles Beyer arrived in Philadelphia in 1857; Henriette Beyer arrived in New York City in 1882; Nicholas Beyer, age 24.



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