Surname Best - Meaning and Origin

An Unexpected Journey of Ancestry: Discoveries of My iGENEA DNA Test and the Surname 'Best'

The veins of ancestral roots run deeper than we can imagine, often pulsating with unexpected turns and surprises. This is a report on how my iGENEA DNA test expanded my understanding of my familial history and the origin of the surname 'Best'.

M. Best

Best: What does the surname Best mean?

The last name Best is of English origin and is derived from the Old English term "beste," meaning "beast". It was originally given as a nickname to a person who had qualities attributed to a beast, such as strength, size, or a fierce nature. It may also have been used as an occupational name for a herdsman. Like many other surnames, orientations over time and among diverse cultures have evolved resulting in multiple meanings and interpretations. The surname Best is also found in some instances as an anglicized version of the Dutch name "Beest". Today, it is a prevalent surname in England, Australia, United States, Canada, and New Zealand.

Best: Where does the name Best come from?

The surname Best is of English origin, derived from an Old English personal name 'Béda' and an Old High German name 'Bet(t)o.' There are also instances of Best being an occupational name, taken from the practice of anglicizing the French 'Bête,' translated as 'Beast,' a term utilized to describe a professional beast or animal fighter.

The first recorded spelling of the family name, under the spelling 'Boste,' dates back to 1181, in the Yorkshire Pipe Rolls. Other early instances of the name can be found in 13th-century England. A family crest and motto "liberty is won by virtue" can be traced back to the Bests of County Kent, England.

Today, the surname is common in England, particularly in northern and central parts of the country. It is also prevalent in parts of the United States, Canada, and Australia owing to early settlers from England. Distinct clusters of people bearing the surname Best in modern-day England are significantly present around Yorkshire and London.

Variations of the surname Best

The surname Best, which originated from a nickname for an excellent person, has multiple variants and spellings. Variations may have emerged due to recording errors, language translations, or regional pronunciations.

Some of the variations and alternative spellings of the surname Best include Beest, Besst, Beste, and Beeste. In some cases, the name is found to be influenced by the German "Bester," meaning "the best."

The surname Best can also be found as a part of hyphenated or composite names, such as Best-Smith or Best-Jones. In some cases, it might also appear with a prefix, like VanBest.

Best may also be anglicized from "de Best," a Flemish name, or from the Dutch "ten Beste." There are also examples of similar surnames that are derived from the same root such as Bester, Bett, Bettson, Betteridge, and especially Besterman and Bestman, which come from the Middle English phrase "beste man," meaning "servant."

Please note that people can change their names for various reasons and therefore, this is not an exhaustive list of the potential variations and spellings of the surname Best.

Famous people with the name Best

• George Best: A legendary Northern Irish professional footballer known for his time at Manchester United.
• Pete Best: Former drummer of The Beatles before Ringo Starr joined the group.
• Edna Best: British actress known for her roles in classic films like "The Ghost and Mrs. Muir."
• Madge Best: An English cricket player who played for her national team in the first ever women's Test match.
• David Best: An American artist renowned for his large-scale sculptures.
• Tris Best: A well-known windsurfing instructor, author, and training coordinator.
• James Best: American television, film, stage, and voice actor, known for his role as Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane on “The Dukes of Hazzard.”
• Ahmed Best: American actor, voice actor, and musician notable for his portrayal of Jar Jar Binks in the "Star Wars" franchise.
• S.P. Balasubrahmanyam: An Indian singer, music director, actor, and film producer known as "S.P.B." or "Balu" in the cinema industry, his full name is Sripathi Panditaradhyula Balasubrahmanyam.
• Calum Best: A British-American model, actor, and television personality, who is the son of George Best.
• Elmira Best: A British boxer who won the Women's Super Heavyweight English National boxing title.

Other surnames

BesackBesatBesateBescheererBeschererBeschlerBeschorBeschorenBeschorenerBeschornBeschornerBeseBeseckeBesekBesekeBeselerBeseltBesenriederBesetBesgroveBeskeBeslainBeslerBeslinBesnardBesoldBessBessat