BAILIFF

Origin and etymology In historic texts In the 1881 census Distribution map

Bailiff

The surname Bailiff, originating from medieval England, is derived from the Middle English term "baili," which means an official in charge of overseeing a particular area or estate. Bailiffs were responsible for maintaining law and order, collecting rents, and acting as representatives of the ruling authority. The name likely denoted one who held the occupation of a bailiff or a similar administrative role in the feudal system.

The Bailiff surname is found scattered throughout the British Isles, with concentrations in regions where the title or occupation of bailiff was common. Over time, variations in spelling have emerged, such as Bailiffe, Bayliff, Bayliffe, and Baleaf, reflecting the phonetic evolution of the name.

Individuals bearing the surname Bailiff have contributed to various aspects of British society, including local governance, land management, and legal administration. Today, descendants of Bailiff families can be found in different regions of the United Kingdom and beyond, with a rich heritage linked to the historical role of bailiffs in medieval English society.

There are approximately 199 people named Bailiff in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around three in a million people in Britain are named Bailiff.

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

Benjamin
Charles
Christopher
David
Henry
Ian
John
Keith
Kevin
Mark
Michael
Raymond

Female

Alison
Catherine
Christine
Eileen
Emma
Hayley
Janet
Jayne
Jean
Juliet
Laura
Patricia
Samantha
Sarah
Susan

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.