Sign up to explore more
Create a free account to navigate family trees, view ancestors, and discover connections.
Sign up free
Sign up to explore more
Create a free account to navigate family trees, view ancestors, and discover connections.
Sign up freeBeaton Family Genealogy & History
Discover the Global Legacy of the Beaton Surname
The Beaton surname is deeply rooted in Scottish history, with multiple potential origins. One origin traces back to the placename Béthune in Pas-de-Calais, France, associated with the lowland clan Bethune. Another derivation is from the Scottish Gaelic Mac Beath, linked to the Beaton medical kindred of the Highlands and Western Isles. In modern Scottish Gaelic, the name can appear as Peutan or Pheutan. Additionally, Beaton may derive from the medieval personal name Beaton or Beton, a diminutive of Bartholomew or Beatrice, highlighting its diverse etymological background.
Over centuries, the Beaton surname evolved and spread geographically. Initially prominent in Scotland, particularly during the early 15th century, the Beaton family began establishing themselves in significant Scottish locales by the late 15th and early 16th centuries. The name further expanded across borders, with many Beatons migrating to Canada in the 19th century, and later to the United States and Australia in the 20th century. This migration reflects the adaptability and growth of the Beaton family tree, enriched by intermarriages with other Scottish clans.
YourRoots data supports the historical trajectory of the Beaton surname, confirming its presence in Scotland from the early 15th century. This aligns with the broader narrative of the Beaton genealogy, as the family became entrenched in various regions through the centuries. The dataset highlights the name's expansion during the 17th century, marking its evolution as a significant identifier within the Scottish landscape. This insight provides a valuable context for tracing the Beaton family tree across different periods and regions.
Today, Beaton genealogy records, as highlighted by YourRoots, offer a rich tapestry for those interested in exploring their ancestry. The global presence of the Beaton surname, with its deep historical roots and widespread branches, presents numerous opportunities for family-tree researchers to uncover the fascinating stories behind their lineage.
Find the Beaton Family Tree
Search more Beaton trees & genealogy records
Records
-
JBJanet BeatonBirth: 1486 – 1522 Creich,Fifeshire,,ScotlandDeath: 1486 – 1522 Kinneil House,Boness,West Lothian,ScotlandFather: David BeatonMother: Janet DuddingstonReliability Score: BJBJanet BeatonBirth: 1486 – 1522 Creich,Fifeshire,,ScotlandDeath: 1486 – 1522 Kinneil House,Boness,West Lothian,ScotlandFather: David BeatonMother: Janet DuddingstonReliability Score: B
-
TBThelma Grace BeatonBirth: 1927 – 2019 Pancras, London, EnglandDeath: 1927 – 2019 Croydon, Surrey, EnglandFather: Eric Stuart ColmanMother: Emily Ethel BeatonReliability Score: ATBThelma Grace BeatonBirth: 1927 – 2019 Pancras, London, EnglandDeath: 1927 – 2019 Croydon, Surrey, EnglandFather: Eric Stuart ColmanMother: Emily Ethel BeatonReliability Score: A
-
SBSARAH BEATONBirth: 1733 – 1785 East Coker,Somerset, EnglandDeath: 1733 – 1785 West Coker, Somerset, EnglandFather: John BeatonMother: Mary MITCHELReliability Score: CSBSARAH BEATONBirth: 1733 – 1785 East Coker,Somerset, EnglandDeath: 1733 – 1785 West Coker, Somerset, EnglandFather: John BeatonMother: Mary MITCHELReliability Score: C
-
DBDavid BeatonBirth: 1456 – 1505 Creich,Fifeshire,,ScotlandDeath: 1456 – 1505 Creich Castle,Fifeshire,,ScotlandFather: John BethuneMother: Marjory BoswellReliability Score: CDBDavid BeatonBirth: 1456 – 1505 Creich,Fifeshire,,ScotlandDeath: 1456 – 1505 Creich Castle,Fifeshire,,ScotlandFather: John BethuneMother: Marjory BoswellReliability Score: C
-
SBSARAH BEATONBirth: 1733 – 1785 East Coker,Somerset, EnglandDeath: 1733 – 1785 West Coker, Somerset, EnglandFather: John BeatonMother: Mary MITCHELReliability Score: CSBSARAH BEATONBirth: 1733 – 1785 East Coker,Somerset, EnglandDeath: 1733 – 1785 West Coker, Somerset, EnglandFather: John BeatonMother: Mary MITCHELReliability Score: C
-
JBJanet BeatonBirth: 1486 – 1522 Creich, Fife, Scotland, United KingdomDeath: 1486 – 1522 Bo'ness, Linlithgowshire, ScotlandFather: David BethuneMother: Janet DuddingstonReliability Score: N/AJBJanet BeatonBirth: 1486 – 1522 Creich, Fife, Scotland, United KingdomDeath: 1486 – 1522 Bo'ness, Linlithgowshire, ScotlandFather: David BethuneMother: Janet DuddingstonReliability Score: N/A
-
ABAngus BeatonBirth: 1491 – 1511 Lochaber Inverness, ScotlandDeath: 1491 – 1511 Lochaber, Inverness-shire, ScotlandFather: David BethuneMother: Janet DuddingstonReliability Score: CABAngus BeatonBirth: 1491 – 1511 Lochaber Inverness, ScotlandDeath: 1491 – 1511 Lochaber, Inverness-shire, ScotlandFather: David BethuneMother: Janet DuddingstonReliability Score: C
-
JBJohn BeatonBirth: 1485 – 1534 Dalby House, Leicestershire, England, United KingdomDeath: 1485 – 1534 Creich, Fife, Scotland, United KingdomFather: John BethuneMother: Marjory BoswellReliability Score: CJBJohn BeatonBirth: 1485 – 1534 Dalby House, Leicestershire, England, United KingdomDeath: 1485 – 1534 Creich, Fife, Scotland, United KingdomFather: John BethuneMother: Marjory BoswellReliability Score: C
-
JBJohanni IV BeatonBirth: 1418 – 1499 Fife, ScotlandDeath: 1418 – 1499 ScotlandFather: Jaques De BaethuneMother: Janet De BalfourReliability Score: CJBJohanni IV BeatonBirth: 1418 – 1499 Fife, ScotlandDeath: 1418 – 1499 ScotlandFather: Jaques De BaethuneMother: Janet De BalfourReliability Score: C
-
DBDavid BeatonBirth: 1494 – 1546 Balfour, Fife, ScotlandDeath: 1494 – 1546 St. Andrews, Midlothian, ScotlandFather: John BethuneMother: Elizabeth MoneypennyReliability Score: CDBDavid BeatonBirth: 1494 – 1546 Balfour, Fife, ScotlandDeath: 1494 – 1546 St. Andrews, Midlothian, ScotlandFather: John BethuneMother: Elizabeth MoneypennyReliability Score: C
-
JBJanet BeatonBirth: 1486 – 1522 Creich,Fifeshire,,ScotlandDeath: 1486 – 1522 Kinneil House,Boness,West Lothian,ScotlandFather: David BeatonMother: Janet DuddingstonReliability Score: BJBJanet BeatonBirth: 1486 – 1522 Creich,Fifeshire,,ScotlandDeath: 1486 – 1522 Kinneil House,Boness,West Lothian,ScotlandFather: David BeatonMother: Janet DuddingstonReliability Score: B
-
JBJeanette BeatonBirth: 1471 – 1510 Creich Castle, Cupar, Scoland, Fifeshire, Scotland, United KingdomDeath: 1471 – 1510 Kinneil House, Bo'ness, West Lothian, Lothian, Scotland, United KingdomFather: Sir David BethuneMother: Janet DuddingtonReliability Score: BJBJeanette BeatonBirth: 1471 – 1510 Creich Castle, Cupar, Scoland, Fifeshire, Scotland, United KingdomDeath: 1471 – 1510 Kinneil House, Bo'ness, West Lothian, Lothian, Scotland, United KingdomFather: Sir David BethuneMother: Janet DuddingtonReliability Score: B
-
JBJohn BeatonBirth: 1499 – 1522 Kingsbarns, Fife, Scotland, United KingdomDeath: 1499 – 1522 St. Andrews, Orkney, Scotland, United KingdomFather: John BethuneMother: Marjory BoswellReliability Score: CJBJohn BeatonBirth: 1499 – 1522 Kingsbarns, Fife, Scotland, United KingdomDeath: 1499 – 1522 St. Andrews, Orkney, Scotland, United KingdomFather: John BethuneMother: Marjory BoswellReliability Score: C
-
DBDame Janet of Creich Kerr - BeatonBirth: 1504 – 1548 Castle Ferniehurst, Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, ScotlandDeath: 1504 – 1548 Buccleuch Estate, Ettrick, Crosslee, Teviotdale, Selkirkshire, ScotlandFather: Sir Andrew KerrMother: Agnes CrichtonReliability Score: CDBDame Janet of Creich Kerr - BeatonBirth: 1504 – 1548 Castle Ferniehurst, Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, ScotlandDeath: 1504 – 1548 Buccleuch Estate, Ettrick, Crosslee, Teviotdale, Selkirkshire, ScotlandFather: Sir Andrew KerrMother: Agnes CrichtonReliability Score: C
-
JBJames BeatonBirth: 1473 – 1539 Fife, Scotland, United KingdomDeath: 1473 – 1539 Saint Andrews, Fife, Scotland, United KingdomFather: John BethuneMother: Marjory BoswellReliability Score: N/AJBJames BeatonBirth: 1473 – 1539 Fife, Scotland, United KingdomDeath: 1473 – 1539 Saint Andrews, Fife, Scotland, United KingdomFather: John BethuneMother: Marjory BoswellReliability Score: N/A
-
JBJanet BeatonBirth: 1486 – 1522 Creich, Fife, , ScotlandDeath: 1486 – 1522 Bo'ness, West Lothian, , ScotlandFather: David BeatonMother: Janet DuddingstonReliability Score: CJBJanet BeatonBirth: 1486 – 1522 Creich, Fife, , ScotlandDeath: 1486 – 1522 Bo'ness, West Lothian, , ScotlandFather: David BeatonMother: Janet DuddingstonReliability Score: C
-
JBJames BeatonBirth: 1480 – 1522 Kingsbarns, Fife, ScotlandDeath: 1480 – 1522 Saint Andrews, Fife, ScotlandFather: John BethuneMother: Marjory BoswellReliability Score: CJBJames BeatonBirth: 1480 – 1522 Kingsbarns, Fife, ScotlandDeath: 1480 – 1522 Saint Andrews, Fife, ScotlandFather: John BethuneMother: Marjory BoswellReliability Score: C
-
LBLady Joan Wood Milner BeatonBirth: 1602 – 1660 St. Nicholas, Bristol, Somerset, Gloucestershire, EnglandDeath: 1602 – 1660 St. Nicholas Parish, Bristol, Somerset, Gloucestershire, EnglandFather: ThomasMother: Susan WadeReliability Score: BLBLady Joan Wood Milner BeatonBirth: 1602 – 1660 St. Nicholas, Bristol, Somerset, Gloucestershire, EnglandDeath: 1602 – 1660 St. Nicholas Parish, Bristol, Somerset, Gloucestershire, EnglandFather: ThomasMother: Susan WadeReliability Score: B
-
JBJanet BeatonBirth: 1486 – 1522 Creich,Fifeshire,,ScotlandDeath: 1486 – 1522 Kinneil House,Boness,West Lothian,ScotlandFather: David BeatonMother: Janet DuddingstonReliability Score: BJBJanet BeatonBirth: 1486 – 1522 Creich,Fifeshire,,ScotlandDeath: 1486 – 1522 Kinneil House,Boness,West Lothian,ScotlandFather: David BeatonMother: Janet DuddingstonReliability Score: B
-
SBSarah Mary BeatonBirth: 1733 – 1785 East Coker, Somerset, EnglandDeath: 1733 – 1785 West Coker, Somerset, EnglandFather: John BeatonMother: Mary MITCHELReliability Score: CSBSarah Mary BeatonBirth: 1733 – 1785 East Coker, Somerset, EnglandDeath: 1733 – 1785 West Coker, Somerset, EnglandFather: John BeatonMother: Mary MITCHELReliability Score: C
Search more trees & records for
Beaton for free
SIGNUP
Tracing Your Beaton Family Lineage
Origin of the Beaton Family: Where does the Beaton surname come from?
The Beaton surname first appeared in historical records in Scotland during the early 15th century, marking the beginning of a rich genealogy. This early documentation connects the Beaton family to the broader historical tapestry of Scottish clans and their evolving family trees. As families began to establish their roots, the Beaton name emerged as a significant identifier in the region, laying the groundwork for future generations.
Genealogy and Early Family History of Beaton
In its formative centuries, the Beaton family primarily spread throughout Scotland, particularly in regions known for their historical significance and clan affiliations. During the late 15th and early 16th centuries, various branches of the Beaton family began to emerge, establishing themselves in notable Scottish locales. As the families grew, they built extensive branches of their family trees, reflecting the social and geographical changes of the time.
By the 17th century, the Beaton surname was well entrenched in Scotland, with family lines branching out and adapting to the evolving landscape. The families often intermarried with other Scottish clans, further enriching their genealogical history and contributing to the identity of the Beaton lineage. This period was crucial for the family's development, as it allowed for the establishment of connections that would last for generations.
Tracing the Beaton Family Tree Through the Centuries
As the Beaton surname evolved, its presence expanded beyond the borders of Scotland, particularly into regions such as Canada in later centuries. In the 19th century, many individuals with the Beaton name immigrated to Canada, bringing their rich heritage with them and establishing new family trees in a foreign land. This migration significantly contributed to the global spread of the surname, highlighting how the Beaton families adapted to new environments while retaining their ancestral ties.
The 20th century saw further dissemination of the Beaton surname, with families establishing themselves in various countries, including the United States and Australia. This global movement reflected broader patterns of migration and family growth, as individuals sought new opportunities while maintaining connections to their Scottish roots. The Beaton family tree thus became increasingly diverse, encompassing a wide array of branches across different continents.
Where to Find Beaton Genealogy Records Today
In modern times, the Beaton surname continues to be found across multiple regions, reflecting its rich and varied history. In the 21st century, descendants can trace their lineage through numerous records, particularly in areas where the family has established itself over the years. For anyone interested in exploring their own Beaton genealogy, the YourRoots database offers a wealth of resources to help connect family trees and uncover the fascinating stories behind the Beaton name.
Famous People with Beaton (and Their Family Tree)
Cecil Beaton
Sir Cecil Beaton (1904–1980) was a renowned British fashion, portrait, and war photographer, as well as a celebrated costume and set designer for stage and screen. His illustrious career earned him three Academy Awards and four Tony Awards, marking him as a significant figure in 20th-century visual arts. Beaton's collaborations with Vogue and Condé Nast, his iconic photographs of the Bright Young People, and his artistic influence on 1930s style highlight his legacy in photography and design.
Cecil Beaton was born in Hampstead, London, to Ernest Walter Hardy Beaton, a prosperous timber merchant, and Esther "Etty" Sisson. His grandfather, Walter Hardy Beaton, founded the family timber business, which Ernest continued. Cecil had three siblings: Nancy, Barbara, and Reginald. His father, Ernest, was an amateur actor who met Etty while performing in a play.
Kate Beaton
Kate Beaton, a renowned Canadian comics artist, is celebrated for her webcomic Hark! A Vagrant, which won multiple awards including the Ignatz and Harvey Awards. Her works, characterized by historical and literary themes, also include children's books like The Princess and the Pony, adapted into the Apple TV+ series Pinecone & Pony, and the acclaimed graphic memoir Ducks: Two Years in the Oil Sands. Her work has been featured in high-profile publications like The New Yorker, and she has collaborated with Marvel Comics.
Of Scottish descent, Kate Beaton grew up with her three sisters in Mabou on Cape Breton Island. She attended a small school and later graduated from Mount Allison University with a degree in history and anthropology.
Norman Beaton
Norman Lugard Beaton was a prominent Guyanese actor, renowned for his role as Desmond Ambrose in the popular Channel Four comedy series Desmond's. Recognized as a leading black British actor, Beaton's career highlights include his performances in The Fosters, Black Joy, and The Mighty Quinn, as well as his work in London's West End and his contribution to the establishment of the Black Theatre of Brixton. He was celebrated with the Royal Television Society Best Comedy Performer Award and was noted for his autobiography, Beaton But Unbowed.
Steve Beaton
Steve Beaton, known as "the Bronzed Adonis," is a celebrated English darts player with a distinguished career in the British Darts Organisation (BDO), World Darts Federation (WDF), and Professional Darts Corporation (PDC). Beaton's career highlights include winning the 1996 BDO World Championship and being ranked BDO world number one in 1993 and 1994. He also triumphed in the 1993 World Masters and claimed the 2013 German Darts Masters title on the PDC European Tour. Despite retiring from professional darts in 2024, Beaton continued to compete in World Seniors Darts events, reaching the semi-finals of the 2025 World Seniors Darts Championship.
David Beaton
David Beaton (c. 1494 – 1546) was a significant figure in Scottish history, serving as the Archbishop of St Andrews and the last Scottish cardinal before the Reformation. Notably, he acted as a diplomat for King James V of Scotland, strengthening the Franco-Scottish alliance. Beaton was appointed a Cardinal by Pope Paul III in 1538 and became the Archbishop of St Andrews in 1539. His career highlights include pivotal roles in international diplomacy, religious leadership, and political maneuvering, notably during the contentious period leading up to the Rough Wooing.
David Beaton was born to John Beaton of Balfour and Isobel Monypenny, part of the Bethunes of Balfour, a branch of the noble French House of Bethune. He was one of fourteen children, illustrating his family's extensive lineage in Fife, Scotland.
Beaton Surname Meaning, Origin, and History
The surname Beaton has Scottish origins and may derive from multiple sources. It is linked to the place name Béthune in France, associated with the lowland clan Bethune, and also represents an Anglicization of the Scottish Gaelic Mac Beath, connected to the Beaton medical kindred of the Highlands and Western Isles. Additionally, Beaton may originate from the medieval names Beaton or Beton, which are pet forms of Bartholomew or Beatrice.
VIEW MOREWhere to Find Genealogy Records for Beaton
We’ve analyzed YourRoots tree and records data to uncover where genealogists are finding key sources such as census, birth certificates, marriage records, and obituaries for the Beaton family. Explore our most popular genealogy record sources for the Beaton surname to learn more.
VIEW MOREAbout YourRoots
Explore your family tree geographically
Import your GEDCOM file to transform your family tree into an interactive global map. See your roots laid out visually and understand your true geographic heritage.
Powerful tools like “Trace Back To Me” instantly map your family’s migration paths from a chosen ancestor all the way back to you.
Discover ancestors beyond “end-of-line” automatically
Import your family tree and let AI expand it for you. AI Ancestor Finder scans “end-of-line” ancestors to uncover their parents across hundreds of family lines at once. AI Deep Research analyzes selected ancestors and family clusters, suggesting relevant records and next steps.
Turn on Auto Research Mode to get new discoveries daily or weekly, so your tree keeps growing even while you’re away.
Find more DNA matches across all DNA tests
Combine your DNA data with your family tree to unlock the full power of YourRoots DNA Match. Connect with relatives across major testing services — Ancestry, 23andMe, MyHeritage, and more.
View your matches’ maps and trees to identify shared ancestors, and soon you’ll be able to add them directly to your own tree and map.
Ancestry DNA analysis that goes deeper than others
Unlock exclusive reports that reveal your deeper origins.
- Deep Ancestry Report — Analyze 130+ ethnicities, sub-regions, and 1,800+ communities in one detailed view.
- Global & Native American Reports — Developed with Stanford researchers to uncover hidden ancestries across all 22 chromosomes.
- Ancient DNA Series — Compare your DNA with 1,000+ ancient genomes from Viking, Celtic, and early American civilizations.
Sign up to explore more
Create a free account to navigate family trees, view ancestors, and discover connections.
Sign up freeAlready have an account? Log in