BALFOUR
Balfour
Balfour is an ancient Scottish surname with its roots in the region of Fife, Scotland. The name is of locational origin, derived from the place called Balfour in Fife, which means "village pasture" in Old English.
The progenitors of the Balfour family were early settlers in Fife, and the surname has been recorded in historical documents since the 12th century. The Balfours were an influential family in Scottish history, with members holding various titles and positions of power over the centuries.
One of the most prominent figures with the surname Balfour was Arthur Balfour, born in 1848, who served as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1902 to 1905. He was a statesman and a member of the Conservative Party, known for his role in shaping British foreign policy during his tenure.
The Balfour family crest features a red lion rampant on a gold shield, symbolising courage and strength. The motto "Vive Deo et Vives" translates to "Live for God and You Shall Have Life."
Today, the surname Balfour is found not only in Scotland but also in other English-speaking countries, carried by descendants of the original Scottish clan. The name Balfour continues to be a reminder of the rich history and heritage of the Scottish people.
There are approximately 3,581 people named Balfour in the UK. That makes it roughly the 2,568th most common surname in Britain. Around 55 in a million people in Britain are named Balfour.
Origin: Celtic
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: Scotland
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: Gaelic
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Alexander
- Andrew
- David
- Ian
- James
- John
- Michael
- Paul
- Robert
- Stuart
- William
Female
- Anne
- Catherine
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Gillian
- Helen
- Jean
- Margaret
- Mary
- Pamela
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.