Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • First Name Meanings
      • Last Name Meanings
      • Individual Records Search
      • Family Trees Support
      • Start a New Tree
      • Upload a GEDCOM
      Loading
      • Search All Records
      • Census & Electoral Rolls
      • Birth, Marriage & Death, including Parish
      • Military
      • Wills & Probate
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Schools, Directories & Church Histories
      • Public Member Trees
      • Card Catalogue
      • Member Search
      Memories
      Loading
      • Register a kit
      • AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
      • Traits Learning Hub
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA® Support
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Discover More Family Names with an Ancestry 14-day Free Trial* 
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Blog
      • About Us
      • Site Map
      • Gift Memberships
      • Careers
        • Ancestry Corporate
        • Fold3.com
        • ForcesWarRecords.com
        • Geneanet.org
        • Newspapers.com
        • ProGenealogists.com
        • RootsWeb.com
      • © 2002-2026 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Cookies
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company
      Group of people

      Meaning of the first name Beals

      Origin

      English Surname, Geographical Origins

      Meaning

      Beals, Dweller By the River

      Variations

      Beale, Beall, Balser
      The name Beals is derived from an English surname with geographical origins, specifically indicating a dweller by the river. This designation typically referred to individuals or families residing near a riverbank, highlighting a connection to water sources which were vital for sustenance, transportation, and trade in historical contexts. The name encapsulates both a physical and social identity tied to the natural environment.

      Historically, surnames based on geographical features became common in England during the Middle Ages as a means of identifying individuals. The Beals surname has early records dating back to the 12th century, often associated with rural communities and agrarian lifestyles. As populations evolved and urbanized, the significance of such surnames remained, even as their literal meanings became less relevant. Historical documentation reveals that people with the Beals surname played various roles in English society, contributing to local economies and communities.

      In contemporary society, Beals continues to function as both a surname and a given name, albeit less frequently. It retains its historical connotation of a geographical identity, appealing to those who value heritage and a connection to nature. In modern contexts, individuals with the surname Beals can be found in various professions, further diversifying its association. Additionally, the name appears in cultural references, including literature and art, signifying its lasting impact beyond its original geographical roots.

      Based on our records...

      Davis

      Davis

      This is the most common surname associated with Beals.
      Margaret

      Margaret

      This is the most common name of those married to a Beals.
      John

      John

      This is the most common name for a child of a Beals.
      Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. - © Mapbox - © OpenStreetMap - Improve this map

      What are you curious about?

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Start a free trial
      Order AncestryDNA
      calendar.webp
      Based on our records...

      Did you know?

      1900 is when there were the most people born with the first name Beals.

      Explore the origins of another name.