In West Fife in the east of Scotland there is an area which, for many centuries, has been characterised by its unusual form of place-names. This involves the 'half' name of 'Beath' in conjunction with a very large number of other appellations which normally are those of associated families. This occurs elsewhere but in this location it is extremely common. Most date from the 17thC or earlier. A detailed analysis of the name is followed by a short history of the parish of Beath with particular emphasis on early church development.