Belt Family Crest, Coat of Arms and Name History

Belt Origin:

England

Origins of Belt:

The surname of Belt is seen as an occupational surname. This means that the original bearer of the surname actually carried out the job associated with the surname. In the case of occupational surnames, they are first given to the actual doer of the job, and then are often given to the son of the original bearer if he also follows his father’s footsteps into the family business. After two generations of the surname, it becomes hereditary, and is given to the family of the original bearer, and the generations following. The surname of Belt was given to those who were manufacturers of leather belts and straps. Another possible origin for the surname of Belt comes from the word of “billitier,” which can be translated to mean “caster.” A billitier was someone who casted metal church bells, but also casted various iron and bronze objects including pots, pieces of armor, and buckles.

Variations:

More common variations are: Bealt, Belty, Baelt, Belot, Belet, Belto, Belat, Belte, Buelt, Belut, Beelt, Boelt, Belta, Belit, Beldt, Bellt, Beltu, Bellot, Bellet, Belts, Bilt, Billitier, Belter

History:

England:

The first recorded spelling of the surname of Belt can be traced to the country of England. One person by the name of Arnold Belt was mentioned in the document known as the Feet Fines for the county of Essex in the year of 1203. This document was ordered, decreed, and written under the reign of one King John of England, who was known throughout the ages, and who was commonly known as one “John Lackland.” King John I of England ruled from the year of 1199 to the year of 1216. Other mentions of the surname of Belt within the country of England include one Benedict le Beleter who was mentioned in the document known as the Friary Rolls of Yorkshire in the year of 1295. Another mention of the surname of Belt within the country of England includes one William le Belytor, who was mentioned in the register of the abbey of Osney, which is located in Oxfordshire, in the year of 1247. Those who are known to bear the surname of Belt within the country of England can be found in large concentrations in the areas in and around the city of London. Others who bear the surname of Belt within the country of England can be found within the upper northern region of England.

Scotland:

Within the country of Scotland, there are many people who bear the surname of Belt. The areas that have large concentrations of those who bear the surname of Belt within the country of Scotland include Lanarkshire county and the areas surrounding it.

United States of America:

Within the United States of America, many European citizens began to migrate to the New World within the 17th and 18th centuries. These citizens were migrating to the United States of America, which at that time was known as the New World or The Colonies, in search of a better life for them and their families. This large movement of people to the United States of America was known as the European Migration, and sometimes referred to as the Great Migration. Among those who migrated to the United States of America was one Humfrey Belt, who arrived in the state of Virginia in the year of 1635. Those who are known to bear the surname of Belt within the United States of America can be found in the states of Georgia, Alabama, Texas, California, Illinois, Ohio, Missouri, New York and Pennsylvania.

Here is the population distribution of the last name Belt: United States 9,818; Netherlands 1,227; England 457; Germany 403; Brazil 270; Philippines 258; South Africa 164; Australia 150; Colombia 140; France 98; Canada 91; New Zealand 69

Notable People:

George Gordon Belt (1828-1869) who was a businessman, judge, soldier, and Confederate sympathizer from the United States of America.

Harry Hackleman Belt (1883-1950) who was a lawyer, educator and judge from the United States of America.

Elmer Belt (1893-1980) who was a surgeon, urologist, and pioneer in sex reassignment surgery from the United States of America.

Clarence W. Belt (1890-1969) who was a racecar driver from the United States of America.

Brandon Kyle Belt (born in 1988) who is a professional baseball player in Major League Baseball, the MLB, and who was a first baseman and outfielder from the United States of America.

Thomas Belt (1832-1878) who was a geologist and naturalist from the country of England.

Blazons & Genealogy Notes

Notes: (Bossall Hall, co. York). Blazon: Gules on a chevron argent between three bezants a cross pattee fitchee of the first between two mullets azure. Crest—On a mount vert a cross pattee fitchee gules.