Surname Bechte - Meaning and Origin

Bechte: What does the surname Bechte mean?

The last name Bechte is of German origin and is derived from the Old German term “bech” meaning “beech”. This suggests that the surname originally referred to someone who lived near a beech tree or beech forest.

The name Bechte is an occupational surname, most likely belonging to an individual who completed work related to the beech tree such as gathering firewood, making charcoals, beechnut harvesting, or perhaps even furniture making.

Alternatively, the name could have been given to someone who lived in a location where beech trees were abundant such as a beech forest or by a beech field. It could refer to a particular area of land containing beech trees or perhaps to a landmark, such as a hill, hillock, or grove, in the local vicinity with abundant beech trees.

In the Middle Ages, it was a common practice in many regions of Europe for people to take the name of their local environment in order to identify themselves more easily. This is likely how the name Bechte originally came to be.

It should also be noted that the Bechte surname could also have originated from the biblical name Bachar or Becher meaning “a cup”. If this is indeed the origin of the name, it could imply that the ancestors of this particular family had special connections to a holy place.

In today’s day and age, the Bechte surname is most commonly found in Germany and in the countries formerly part of the German Empire. There is also an extensive Bechte diaspora, with many descendants of the original name living in the United States, Canada, Australia, and other parts of the world.

Bechte: Where does the name Bechte come from?

The last name Bechte is most commonly found today in Germany. It has also spread to other parts of Europe, particularly Austria, Belgium, Switzerland, and the Netherlands, as well as some areas of North and South America.

In terms of exact numbers, Bechte is one of the more popular last names in Germany, ranking as the 205th most common. Though its exact meaning is not clear, some believe it derives from an old word meaning “to build,” suggesting Bechte bearers were involved with the construction trades.

The name is found most frequently in Bavaria and, though there aren’t many in the U.S., couples with the name Bechte have traveled to America in the 1900s. According to the U.S. Census, the highest concentration of Bechtes is in New York State.

Bechte is a patronymic surname, meaning that children typically take the father’s first name as their last. This tradition is still followed in Germany and other parts of Europe, although it is now less common in the US.

The Bechte name continues to live on in many countries throughout the world, whether from immigration or simply passing it on over the generations. Today, Bechte bearers can be found all over the world, carrying on the legacy of an old name with a noble past.

Variations of the surname Bechte

Bechte is a commonly used German and Dutch surname with many spelling and surname variants. The prominent variants are:

• Becht

• Bech

• Bechts

• Bechtey

• Bechtel

• Bechtol

• Bechler

• Bechmann

• Bechtal

• Bechelli

• Beckte

• Bachtel

• Bachtler

• Bachtold

• Bachtoll

• Betch

• Becher

• Bechert

• Bechet

• Bechetti

• Becheti

• Becqué

• Beechey

• Beecher

• Beechen

• Beechert

• Beechett

• Bekker

• Bekkerst

• Bekkers

• Bekkert

The most common variants of the Bechte surname are Bechtel, Becher, and Bekker, these names are mainly used in Germany, the Netherlands, and surrounding countries.

The surname Bechte is derived from the old German given name "Betto" or "Beto" meaning "Breast" or Shield-Bearer". This name was given to someone who had some kind of defensive quality or was in some way a protector. Over the years, it has evolved and changed in spelling and pronunciation.

The Bechte surname has its origins in Germany and is thought to be derived from the Old Germanic word "berecht" or "beraht", which means "proud" or "strong". It is also thought to be derived from the old Germanic word "birket", which translates to mean "little birch" tree.

Overall, Bechte is an ancient German surname that is believed to have evolved from the Old German words "Betto" and "Berecht". It has many other spelling and surname variants, including Bechtel, Becher and Bekker. Throughout its various forms, it has been interpreted to mean “proud”, “strong” and “shield-bearer”.

Famous people with the name Bechte

• Cody Bechtel: Former Canadian professional ice hockey forward who played for the Houston Aeros of the American Hockey League.
• Uwe Bechtel: German football coach and former player.
• Barry Bechtel: American lawyer and former competitive swimmer who was named the 1977 NCAA Swimmer of the Year.
• Paul Bechtel: American professional soccer player who is currently sidelined due to injury.
• Lothar Bechtel: German former bobsledder who won the silver medal in the two-man event at the 1964 Winter Olympics.
• George Bechtel, Jr.: American former sailor who won a bronze medal in the dragon boat event at the 1960 Summer Olympics.
• Rosalyn Bechtel: American women’s figure skating champion.
• Zak Bechtel: Canadian actor known for his roles in films such as The Little Kidnappers and The Sorrow and the Pity.
• Jim Bechtel: American professional golfer who holds the record for the most consecutive birdies (5) on the PGA Tour.
• Hans Bechtel: Swiss former ski jumper who was a member of the Swiss national team for seven seasons.

Other surnames

BechtBechtelBechtelerBechterBechtholdBechtholdtBechtlBechtleBechtlerBechtloffBechtluftBechtoldBechtoldtBechtolf