Surname Benshaw - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'B'
Benshaw: What does the surname Benshaw mean?
The surname Benshaw is of English origin, derived from the Anglo-Saxon name Benesche, which was a topographical name for someone who lived near a "bene" or long slope. The origin of this family dates back to the time of the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain, when people would frequently take on the name of a natural feature in their area as a way to identify themselves.
The Benshaw family can trace their roots back to the Old English Bynneschewe, which is said to have originated in Cheshire county, England. This line of the family claimed its name from Beneshawe, a wood in this area. As the spelling of this name changed over time, variants such as Benshaw, Bynshaw, Binshaw, Banneschawe, and Benshelowe. They were recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086.
The Benshaw family took on their surname during the Middle Ages when family names began to become popular. It is believed that the initial "B" in the name was derived from the Old English "ben" meaning "hill," most likely referring to a long slope. Other records such as the Pipe Rolls of 1153 and the Curia Regis Rolls of 1199 also mentions this family.
Throughout the centuries, the Benshaws made a name for themselves in various parts of England. By the 1800s, this family was widely spread throughout the country, and its members were employed in several professions, including brick-laying, farming, and ironworks.
Today, there are still many members of the Benshaw family scattered across England, and they continue to be recognized for their long history and unique contributions to British heritage.
Order DNA origin analysisBenshaw: Where does the name Benshaw come from?
The last name Benshaw is uncommon today, but it was originally most common in the northern and southern dialects of England. It first appeared in the mid-1600s in Lancashire, where it is still found today.
Benshaw is also found in Scotland and Ireland, but mostly in the small village of Benshaw, located on the border of Northern England and Scotland. In the U.S., the last name Benshaw can be found mostly in the Washington D.C. and Pennsylvania states, where it was most commonly taken to by settlers in the 1800s.
Today, the last name Benshaw is mostly found in England, Scotland, Ireland, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Many people with Benshaw as a last name are descendants of Irish or British immigrants who moved to new countries during the colonial period or the 19th century's Irish potato famine.
Although it is uncommon today, the name Benshaw has a long history and has been found in many areas around the world. It is a part of many family trees and the legacy of those who took the name Benshaw with them to new countries will remain in the memories of their descendants for years to come.
Variations of the surname Benshaw
The surname Benshaw is of Anglo-Saxon origin, first appearing in England as early as the 14th century. It was derived from the Old English words “bene”, meaning “bent” or “bent grass”, and “sceaga”, meaning “wood”. Alternate spellings of the surname Benshaw include Benshagh, Bensaugh, Benshaugh, and Benseagg.
Variants of the surname Benshaw include Benedek, Benedick, Bendek, Bendix, Bennet, Benneth, Benning, Benson, Benton, Bently, Birkinshaw, Bornshaw, Bronshue, Burnshaw, and Evenshue. Other surnames that share the same origin as Benshaw include Branshaw, Bentham, Bedsworth, Bannister, Benge, Bening, and Bennick.
Benshaw is a relatively rare surname, and those who currently bear it are considered to be of the same family regardless of the spelling they use. The primary location where the surname is found is in the area that covers parts of England, Scotland, and Ireland. It is thought that the family originated from this region, but further information is not fully known.
Although the surname is mostly found in the British Isles, it has also been found elsewhere in the world. Families bearing the Benshaw surname have settled in Australia, Canada, the United States, Germany, and even India. Today, Benshaws can be found all over the world, continuing to bring their unique heritage and culture to the places they have settled.
Famous people with the name Benshaw
- Rick Benshaw: American actor, producer, and television writer.
- Paul Benshaw: American comedian and actor.
- Richard Benshaw: former English cricketer.
- Dave Benshaw: English actor and singer.
- Scott Benshaw: American musician and actor.
- Matthew Benshaw: American music producer, composer and musician.
- Mark Benshaw: Canadian lawyer and constitutional expert.
- Julia Benshaw: British radio and television presenter.
- Derek Benshaw: English actor, director, theatre practitioner.
- Ephraim Benshaw: English politician.
- Roddy Benshaw: British journalist and broadcaster.
- Gary Benshaw: English footballer.
- Natasha Benshaw: British actress.
- Joshua Benshaw: American singer-songwriter.
- Gordon Benshaw: former English football goalkeeper.
- John Benshaw: British artist.
- Michael Benshaw: English actor and singer.
- Steve Benshaw: Australian musician.
- Gordon Benshaw Jr.: Canadian business proprietor and politician.
- Lucinda Benshaw: English actress and comedian.