Bede

Origin

Latin via Old English, from the Latin name "Bede" meaning "prayer" or "adjuration." The name was popularised by the 7th-century English monk Saint Bede (the Venerable Bede), whose historical writings significantly influenced Christian scholarship in medieval England. It is primarily a Christian name with a strong historical and religious connotation in Anglo-Saxon tradition.

Meaning

Literal translation: 'prayer' or 'entreaty.' In Australian English contexts, it often conveys notions of devotion, scholarly pursuit, or spiritual contemplation. Occasionally associated with endurance and wisdom due to Saint Bede's scholarly legacy.

Pronunciation

/biːd/ (Bee-d) with primary stress on the single syllable, following Australian English pronunciation conventions. The vowel is a long 'ee' sound, aligning with general English pronunciation.

Variants & Nicknames

Name Days

• 20 May (Feast of Saint Bede)
• Carey Bede Day (observed by some Australian Catholic communities on 20 May)
• Māori commemoration of Bede in historical contexts (not widely observed)

Name Pairings

Names that pair well with bede:

• Bede and Alice — classic literary pairing
• Bede and Matilda — Victorian-era inspired combination
• Bede and Lucy — both gentle, scholarly names

Fun Facts

• The name Bede is relatively rare in modern Australia but experienced modest resurgence due to cultural nostalgia and historical interest.
• There was a notable Australian author, Bede Burke, contributing to mid-20th-century literary circles.
• The term is sometimes used in Australia for naming literary awards or scholarships related to theology and history, honouring Saint Bede.

Personality Traits

Common traits associated with the name bede:

• Intelligent
• Reflective
• Devout
• Scholarly
• Graceful

Aesthetic Qualities

The name has a classic, scholarly aesthetic, with clean lines and a simple, elegant visual form that suits traditional and contemporary graphic styles.

Geographical Distribution

Most commonly found among Anglican and Catholic families in urban and regional communities, particularly in New South Wales and Victoria, where religious scholarship and historical naming are valued.

Numerological Significance

Name number 9 — associated with humanitarianism, wisdom, and idealism. Suggests a personality inclined towards service and deep thinking in astrological charts.

Astrological Connections

Often linked to the Virgo zodiac sign due to its scholarly connotations, with possible associations to Mercury, the planet of communication and intellect.

Historical Context

Saint Bede the Venerable was an influential English monk and scholar, often depicted as the quintessential scholar-monk in British history. In Australian literature and religious history, the name is sometimes chosen to evoke scholarly virtue or ecclesiastical respect.

Linguistic Adaptability

The name adapts as Bede in Latin and English contexts, with no significant transliterations. It retains pronunciation across multiple languages due to its phonetic simplicity.

Famous People Named bede

• Bede Ashton (Australian cricketer)
• Bede Kelly (Australian musician)
• Bede Burke (Australian academic and author)

Popularity in Australia