Summary

The surname BESS originates from England and is of English origin. It is derived from the medieval personal name 'Bess', a short form of the female given name Elizabeth. The name has a rich history and is found in various countries worldwide.
There are
9663
Besss in the USA
Bess is the
3677th
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Bess

AnneBoleyn

Anne Boleyn was the second wife of King Henry VIII of England. She became queen in 1533, but her marriage was annulled and she was executed in 1536. Anne Boleyn is famous for her prominent role in the English Reformation and her influence over Henry VIII.

ElizabethI

Elizabeth I was the Queen of England and Ireland from 1558 until her death in 1603. She is known as the 'Virgin Queen' and was one of the most influential and successful monarchs in English history. Elizabeth I is famous for her long and prosperous reign known as the Elizabethan era.

FrancisDrake

Francis Drake was an English sea captain, privateer, slave trader, navigator, and politician of the Elizabethan era. He is best known for circumnavigating the globe between 1577 and 1580, and for his involvement in the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588.

AnneHutchinson

Anne Hutchinson was a Puritan spiritual adviser and an important participant in the Antinomian Controversy, which shook the Massachusetts Bay Colony from 1636 to 1638. She is known for her strong religious convictions and for challenging the male-dominated religious authorities of her time.

MatthewBoulton

Matthew Boulton was an English manufacturer and business partner of Scottish engineer James Watt. Together, they pioneered the development and commercialization of steam engines. Boulton is recognized for his contributions to the Industrial Revolution and his role in the development of the Soho Manufactory.

Bess Genealogy

OriginsThe surname Bess is of English origin. It is derived from the medieval male given name 'Bess', which itself is a pet form of the name 'Elizabeth'. The name 'Elizabeth' is of Hebrew origin and means 'God is my oath'.
Geographic DistributionThe Bess surname is found predominantly in England, particularly in areas with strong historical connections to the Tudor and Elizabethan eras.
VariationsVariations of the Bess surname include Bessington, Besset, Bessette, Bessman, Bress, and Bessiere.
Migration and ImmigrationMigration and immigration of individuals with the surname Bess occurred throughout history. Notable periods and places of migration and immigration include the Elizabethan era in England, where individuals with the surname Bess played significant roles in various fields such as politics, exploration, and manufacturing. Additionally, migration and immigration of individuals with the Bess surname can be traced to other English-speaking countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia, particularly during the colonial and industrial periods.