BALLARD
Ballard
Origin and Meaning: The surname Ballard is of Old French origin, derived from the personal name "Balard", which itself comes from the Germanic elements "bald", meaning brave or bold, and "hard", meaning hardy or strong.
Historical Significance: The surname Ballard is believed to have been introduced to England during the Norman Conquest of 1066. The earliest recorded instance of the surname dates back to the 13th century. Over the centuries, the Ballard family name has been found throughout various regions of the United Kingdom.
Distribution and Frequency: Today, the surname Ballard is prevalent in England, particularly in the southern regions. It is also found in parts of Wales, Scotland, and Ireland. The frequency of the surname Ballard ranks it among the thousands of most common surnames in the United Kingdom.
Notable Individuals:
- J. G. Ballard (1930-2009) – British novelist and short story writer known for his dystopian and post-apocalyptic works, such as "Crash" and "Empire of the Sun".
- Kaye Ballard (1925-2019) – American actress and singer of British descent, known for her roles in stage productions and on television.
Variants and Derivatives: Variants of the surname Ballard include Balard, Balyard, and Ballyard. Derivatives may include names with similar etymological origins, such as Ballardini in Italy.
Coat of Arms: The coat of arms associated with the Ballard surname typically features symbols of strength and courage, reflecting the meaning of the name. Common elements may include shields, lions, and fleurs-de-lis.
Modern Usage: In modern times, the surname Ballard continues to be passed down through generations of families across the United Kingdom and in various parts of the world. It remains a connection to the heritage and history of those who bear it.
References:
- Reaney, P. H., & Wilson, R. M. (1991). A Dictionary of English Surnames.
- Hanks, P., & Hodges, F. (1988). A Dictionary of Surnames.
- Lower, M. A. (1860). Patronymica Britannica: A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom.
There are approximately 8,637 people named Ballard in the UK. That makes it roughly the 1,096th most common surname in Britain. Around 133 in a million people in Britain are named Ballard.
Surname type: Occupational name
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
- Andrew
- Christopher
- David
- James
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Richard
- Stephen
Female
- Claire
- Jacqueline
- Janet
- Joan
- Joanne
- Julie
- Margaret
- Nicola
- 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.