What Is The Origin Of The Name Beverley?

Beverley began as a place name. It originated in Humberside in the North of England, and is now the name of an East Yorkshire town with a famous medieval minster and thriving literary festival. As a place name, it came from the Old English "beofor" or beaver, and "leac" or stream. It then became a surname (as regional names often did) and eventually came into use as a boy's name, often with aristocratic overtones.

In the 20th century it has grown in popularity as a girl's name both in Britain and the US; this may have something to do with the fame of Beverley Hills in Hollywood, which has given the name glamorous associations. When given to girls it is often spelled Beverly; the usual short form is Bev.