Ball Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Ball come from? What does the surname Ball mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Ball and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Bald, Balle, Baller, Balls
Surname Ball Origin: What does the last name Ball mean?
Ball is an English surname with multiple potential origins, dating back to Norman times. It may have derived from the given name Baldwin, been related to living near a knoll or rounded hill, descended from the Old Norse personal name "Balle," or been a toponymic surname linked to Ball, Cornwall, England. Records show the Ball surname appearing in the United Kingdom in the early 13th century and spreading significantly to the United States by the 16th century. Today, the Ball surname remains prominent in the United States and is found in regions worldwide.
According to YourRoots data, the Ball surname has a long history in the United Kingdom, with records dating back to the early 13th century. The surname continued to grow and spread over the centuries, particularly in the United States. By the 16th century, the volume of Ball surname records had increased significantly in the United States, surpassing those in the United Kingdom. This trend continued into the 18th and 19th centuries, with the Ball surname maintaining a prominent presence in the United States and being found in various regions globally.
Ball Last Name History: Where did the last name Ball come from?
Origin of Ball Surname: Where does the last name Ball originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Ball first appeared in records from the United Kingdom around the early 13th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact “Ball” spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Ball: What does the Ball surname history look like in the early days?
The “Ball” surname remained closely associated with the United Kingdom from the 13th through the 15th century. YourRoots data also shows Ball family records indicating growth and spread over the centuries, particularly in the United States.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Ball surname today?
By the 16th century, the volume of records with the Ball surname began to grow significantly in the United States. By the early 17th century, it had surpassed the United Kingdom, a trend that continued into the 18th and 19th centuries. The “Ball” surname remains prominent in the United States and is also present in regions worldwide, including the United Kingdom.
Explore Ball last name heritage and Ball surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Ball Surame?
Lucille Ball
Lucille Désirée Ball (Aug 6, 1911 - Apr 26, 1989) was an iconic American actress, comedian, and producer. She is best known for her groundbreaking sitcom "I Love Lucy" and her contributions to the entertainment industry. Ball's influence and talent continue to be celebrated to this day.
Matt Ball
Matthew Michael Ball (born 1968) is an American animal activist known for co-founding Vegan Outreach and advocating for animal rights. He has authored books such as "The Animal Activist's Handbook" and "Losing My Religions," shaping the modern animal rights movement.
John Thomas Ball
John Thomas Ball (Jul 24, 1815 - Mar 17, 1898) was an Irish barrister, judge, and politician in the UK Parliament. Known for his legal expertise and political career, he served as Lord Chancellor of Ireland. Ball was a member of the Privy Council of Ireland and a Conservative MP.
Liam Ball
Liam Ball (17 May 1951 - 16 June 1984) was an Irish Olympic swimmer known for competing in the Men's 100m and 200m Breaststroke at the 1968 and 1972 Summer Games. A local hero from Derry, he is honored with a mural on Creggan's Central Drive and an annual triathlon event in his name.
Anna Maria Ball
Anna Maria O'Brien (1785 - Mar 28, 1871) was an Irish philanthropist known for her work in establishing charitable organizations and supporting the Sisters of Charity. She was a generous patron, aiding in fundraising for hospitals and schools, and caring for the less fortunate in Dublin.
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