Bessette Surname

The Origins of the Surname Bessette

The surname Bessette is of French origin, derived from the Old French word "besse" which means 'birch tree.' Surnames derived from nature were common in medieval France, and the surname Bessette likely originated as a topographic surname to describe someone who lived near a birch tree or grove.

Many surnames in France were created during the Middle Ages when surnames became necessary for tax and census records. The surname Bessette would have been passed down from father to son, with variations such as Bisset, Besset, and Besse also appearing in historical records.

Distribution of the Surname Bessette

United States

In the United States, the surname Bessette is most prevalent, with a total incidence of 5,854 according to our data. The largest concentration of individuals with the surname Bessette can be found in the states of Vermont, New York, and Michigan.

Canada

Canada also has a significant number of individuals with the surname Bessette, with an incidence of 4,294. The surname is most common in the province of Quebec, where many French-Canadian families settled in the 17th and 18th centuries.

France

Unsurprisingly, the surname Bessette is found in France, with an incidence of 646. The surname is most common in the northern regions of France, where birch trees are more prevalent.

Other Countries

In addition to the United States, Canada, and France, the surname Bessette can also be found in several other countries, including the Dominican Republic, Germany, England, and Australia.

Famous Individuals with the Surname Bessette

There have been several notable individuals with the surname Bessette throughout history. One of the most famous is Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, formerly Jacqueline Lee Bouvier, who married Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Jackie Kennedy Onassis was the younger sister of Lee Radziwill, whose married name was Lee Bouvier Radziwill Ross. The Bouvier sisters were of French descent, and their family's surname can be traced back to the surname Bessette.

Another famous individual with the surname Bessette is fashion designer Marc Bouwer. Marc Bouwer is known for his glamorous red-carpet gowns and has dressed celebrities such as Angelina Jolie, Beyoncé, and Oprah Winfrey. Marc Bouwer's surname can also be traced back to the Bessette surname.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the surname Bessette is of French origin, derived from the word "besse" meaning 'birch tree.' The surname has a significant presence in the United States, Canada, and France, with smaller numbers in other countries as well. Famous individuals with the surname Bessette include Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and fashion designer Marc Bouwer. The surname Bessette is a reminder of the rich history and cultural heritage of the French people.

The surname Bessette into the globe

Globalization has meant that surnames distribute far beyond their country of origin, so that it is possible to find African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. Exactly the same occurs in the case of Bessette, which as you're able to corroborate, it can be said it is a surname that may be found in all the countries of the globe. In the same way there are nations in which certainly the thickness of men and women with all the surname Bessette is more than in other countries.

The map of this Bessette surname

1. United States (5854)
2. Canada (4294)
3. France (646)
4. Dominican Republic (23)
5. Germany (13)
6. England (9)
7. Thailand (8)
8. Wales (7)
9. Australia (5)
10. Switzerland (2)
11. Belgium (1)
12. Brazil (1)
13. Ethiopia (1)
14. Scotland (1)
15. Honduras (1)
16. India (1)
17. Italy (1)
18. Saint Lucia (1)
19. Mexico (1)
20. New Zealand (1)
21. Turkey (1)
22. U.S. Virgin Islands (1)