Summary

The surname Bethea is of English origin and is believed to have originated from the medieval personal name Beatha, meaning 'life' or 'alive'. It is a patronymic surname meaning 'son of Beatha'. The Bethea family has a rich history and is notable for its contributions in various fields.
There are
12061
Betheas in the USA
Bethea is the
2972nd
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Bethea

WendellBethea

Wendell Bethea was an American professional football player who played as a defensive end in the National Football League (NFL) for the Houston Oilers.

AndreBethea

Andre Bethea is an American chef and restaurateur known for his award-winning culinary skills and the successful opening of his own restaurant in New York City.

KareemBethea

Kareem Bethea is a former Olympic athlete who represented the United States in the sport of track and field, specializing in the long jump.

DeloresBethea

Delores Bethea is an American singer-songwriter and actress known for her soulful vocals and her appearances in several Broadway musicals.

TerrenceBethea

Terrence Bethea is a renowned fashion designer known for his unique and avant-garde designs, showcased in major fashion shows around the world.

MoniqueBethea

Monique Bethea is an American journalist and news anchor who has worked for various major news networks, delivering breaking news and investigative reports.

RickyBethea

Ricky Bethea is a professional basketball player who has played in various international leagues and has represented his country in multiple basketball championships.

SamuelBethea

Samuel Bethea is a prominent lawyer and legal scholar known for his expertise in constitutional law and his role in landmark court cases.

GraceBethea

Grace Bethea is an American artist and painter known for her vibrant and abstract works, with exhibitions held in galleries around the world.

NathanBethea

Nathan Bethea is a renowned author and poet whose works have been praised for their thought-provoking themes and lyrical quality.

Bethea Genealogy

OriginsThe surname 'Bethea' is of Scottish origin and is derived from the Gaelic name 'Macbethad' or 'Macbetha,' meaning 'son of Bethad/Betha.' It is a patronymic surname, indicating descent from an ancestor named Bethad/Betha.
Geographic DistributionThe surname 'Bethea' is most commonly found in the United States, particularly in the Southern states such as North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. There are also significant populations of people with the surname 'Bethea' in the United Kingdom and Canada.
VariationsVariations of the surname 'Bethea' include 'Betha,' 'Bethe,' 'Bethay,' and 'Bethia.' These variations may be the result of different spelling conventions or regional dialects.
Migration and ImmigrationThe migration and immigration of people with the surname 'Bethea' can be traced back to the Scottish immigration to the United States in the 18th and 19th centuries. Many Scottish immigrants settled in the Southern states, bringing their surnames with them.