Submitted Name Revision History

Etymology uncertain. It could derive from Nubian bes "cat". It could also be from Egyptian bs "flame" or bz "to be initiated, to introduce". Bes is an ancient Egyptian deity worshipped as a protector of households, particularly mothers, children, and childbirth. He was initially depicted as a lion rearing on its hind legs, and over time came to resemble a man with dwarfism and a leopard skin cape.