indicate the level to which a name has been verified.
Type Surname (from location & from nickname)
Usage French (Rare), French (Quebec)
Other Forms FormsBeliveau, Belliveau, Belivaux, Bélivaux, Bélliveau, Bellivaux, Béllivaux, Belleveau, Bellevaux, de Bellevau, Bliveau, Belivo, Belleveau, Beleveau
Meaning & History
Derived from Old French besliver meaning "to stagger along", hence a nickname referring to a drunkard. It could also refer to a person who lived in a beautiful or lovely valley, derived from French beau "beautiful" or Old French beu, bel "fair, lovely" combined with val meaning "valley". This name was borne by the Canadian hockey player Jean Béliveau (1931-2014).