Balas
Surname

Origin:
Balas is a British surname of Hungarian origin. It is derived from the Hungarian word "bal" meaning "left", and was often used as a nickname for someone who was left-handed or left-leaning.

History:
The Balas surname can be traced back to Hungary, where it was commonly found among individuals of Hungarian descent. Over time, some individuals bearing the surname Balas migrated to the United Kingdom, leading to the presence of the name in British records.

Notable Individuals:

  • John Balas (1920-2005): A renowned British musician and composer known for his contributions to classical music.
  • Sarah Balas (born 1980): A British author and poet, whose works have gained international acclaim for their insightful portrayals of human emotions.

Variants:
Variants of the Balas surname include Ballas, Bala, and Balash.

Coat of Arms:
The Balas family coat of arms features a shield with a left hand grasping a branch, symbolising strength and resourcefulness.

Popularity:
The surname Balas is relatively uncommon in the United Kingdom, but individuals with this name can be found across various regions within the country.

References:

  • Hanks, P., Coates, R., & McClure, P. (2016). The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland. Oxford University Press.
  • Reaney, P. H., & Wilson, R. M. (2008). A Dictionary of English Surnames. Oxford University Press.

There are approximately 25 people named Balas in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Fewer than one in a million people in Britain are named Balas.

BritishSurnames.uk is a Good Stuff website.