The surname Bethurem has its origins in the ancient region of Bethlehem, located in modern-day Palestine. It is believed to have emerged during the Byzantine period, which lasted from the 4th to the 7th century AD. The name is derived from the Hebrew words "Beit Lechem," meaning "House of Bread," a reference to the biblical story of the birth of Jesus Christ in a manger in Bethlehem.

One of the earliest known references to the name Bethurem can be found in a manuscript from the 9th century, which mentions a scholar named Yusuf ibn Bethurem. This suggests that the name had already spread beyond its region of origin by that time.

In the 11th century, during the Crusades, a knight named Sir William Bethurem is recorded as having fought alongside Richard the Lionheart. His bravery and loyalty were praised in chronicles of the time, and it is believed that he was granted lands in England after the war, helping to establish the name in that country.

The name Bethurem also appears in several medieval charters and records from various parts of Europe, indicating the movement of people bearing this surname across the continent. For instance, a merchant named Giovanni Bethurem is mentioned in a Venetian trade document from the 14th century.

One notable figure with the surname Bethurem was John Bethurem, an English composer and organist who lived from 1639 to 1712. He was renowned for his sacred music and served as the organist at the Chapel Royal during the reign of King Charles II.

Another significant individual was Sarah Bethurem (1748-1823), a prominent activist and writer who campaigned for women's rights and the abolition of slavery in the United States. Her influential works helped shape the early feminist movement in America.

In the 19th century, a British explorer named Robert Bethurem (1820-1892) gained fame for his expeditions to Africa and the Middle East. His detailed accounts of his travels and encounters with various cultures contributed greatly to the field of anthropology at the time.

The surname Bethurem has also been associated with several places throughout history. For example, there was once a village called Bethurems Bury in Gloucestershire, England, which likely derived its name from early settlers with the Bethurem surname.

While the name Bethurem is not as common today as it once was, it remains a part of the rich tapestry of surnames that reflect the diverse cultural and historical influences that have shaped communities across the globe.