How did beefeaters get their names?

Answer 1

The most common interpretation of their name was that because during the plagues, they were regarded with envy since they received more meat rations than anyone else (since they were royal guards.)

However, some etymologists believe that the word is a corruption of the Old English word "hláf-æta" or servant, particularly, it seems, a royal servant; although the Oxford Dictionary of English states that the word is derived from a derogatory 17th century term for a "well-fed servant". This would lend support to the first explanation, since the Great Plague occurred between 1664-1666.