The Bean Family History

What Does the Bean Surname Mean? Historical Origins Explained

The surname Bean is of English and Scottish origin, deriving from the Middle English word ‘bene,’ which denotes both the cultivation or sale of beans and a characterization of amiability. Additionally, the Gaelic word ‘betha’ translates to life. Variations in the spelling of Bean include McBain, Been, McBean, Beaine, MacVain, MacBean, Baine, and Bayn. In Germany, the surname appears as Bohne or Biehn. In England, the Bean surname is found widely, with a concentration of individuals residing in regions such as Norfolk, Essex, Kent, Yorkshire, and the city of London. Scotland also has a notable presence of the Bean name, particularly in the counties of Aberdeenshire, Perthshire, Lanarkshire, and Angus. In the United States, families bearing the Bean surname have roots in states including Massachusetts, New York, Maine, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, Texas, and California. Noteworthy individuals with this surname include Alan L. Bean, an astronaut; Mollie Bean, who disguised herself as a man to serve in the Confederate Army during the American Civil War; Phantly Roy Bean Jr., known as a Justice of the Peace in Texas operating from his saloon; Orson Bean, a television actor; Andy Bean, a professional golfer; Marcus Bean, an English footballer; and Colter Bean, a professional baseball player.