Front PageBExxLEY Distribution in the USA
Last Updated on Monday, 17 August 2009 18:13 Written by Doug Beezley Sunday, 17 August 2008 18:45
A new look at the numbers and distribution of our Surname.
Calculations have been adjusted to compare surname listings with 2007 census estimates for ADULTS, since the white pages listings would only be adults.
I have found it interesting to note how the four most common spellings of the Beasley surname have spread across the country. We know that all surnames were written in a variety of ways due to illiteracy, handwriting transcription and a generally relaxed view of spelling through the end of the 18th century. In the subsequent 200 years, spelling habits have tended to solidify and more reliably pass through generations. By our recent DNA studies we know that those of common spelling may not be genetically linked while those of different spelling appear to have common ancestors.
I used the data from WhitePages.com to count the occurrence of each of the four primary surname spellings by state. These listings identify adult household members by address and, where listed, phone number. Addresses and names are not necessarily correct or current. In some cases, there are duplication and in other cases names are not included because of the primary use of cell phones. The listing also does not include minors. Thus, it is important not to take the actual numbers to be accurate, but rather that the general patterns are interesting.
The maps shown were produced using the tools at Wykes.org.
Click on each map to display a larger version.
|
Looking at population density, the Beasley surname is clearly a southern phenomenon. By the standards of this formulation, Beasley has an overall density of 125.63 per million in the nation. |
In terms of absolute numbers of adult Beasley's, Texas is the big winner. The total number of Beasley adults in the county, by this formulation, is 37,614; The total of the other 3 spellings is 4,105. |
|
|
In terms of numbers of Beesley's, Utah (which is low in the other spellings) has the most with California adding to the numbers. Only Vermont has none at all. |
|
The third common spelling of our surname is Beazley at an overall density of 4.14 per million. Other than Virginia, these folks are fairly evenly distributed. |
In term of numbers, Texas is runner up with Virginia holding the title for the most adult Beazley's. Notice that Utah, South Dakota, Vermont and New Hampshire have none. |
|
It looks like Beezley, while the rarest of the four spellings, has become a midwest phenomenon (well, except for Alaska). The overall national density is just 2.07 per million. |
The greatest number of Beezley adults appear to be in Missouri, with California close behind. New Mexico, South Dakota, South Carolina and the Northeast states have none. |
