Ballard Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Ballard come from? What does the surname Ballard mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Ballard and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Ballard Origin: What does the last name Ballard mean?
The surname Ballard has English origins, likely deriving from the Middle English term "ball," meaning "white spot," combined with the suffix "-ard," translating to "bald head." This interpretation is supported by historical translations of biblical texts. However, there are alternative sources suggesting Celtic origins, with the Welsh form "Ap Alard" meaning "son of the fox" and later variations in France and Spain.
According to YourRoots data, the Ballard surname was first recorded in England during the early 13th century. Over time, its prevalence increased in the United States, surpassing its origin country. Today, the Ballard surname is found in various countries globally, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, reflecting its widespread presence and diverse history.
Ballard Last Name History: Where did the last name Ballard come from?
Origin of Ballard Surname: Where does the last name Ballard originate from?
Based on the data from YourRoots, the surname Ballard was first recorded in England, specifically in the United Kingdom, during the early 13th century. This information reflects YourRoots data for the exact "Ballard" spelling and not other record sources or variations of the surname.
History of the Last Name Ballard: What does the Ballard surname history look like in the early days?
The Ballard surname has been closely linked with the United Kingdom, particularly England, from the 13th to the 15th century. The frequency of Ballard family records in the YourRoots database began to show a significant increase in the United States starting from the 17th century, indicating a shift in the surname's prevalence.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Ballard surname today?
From the 17th century onwards, the volume of records for the Ballard surname has been the highest in the United States according to the YourRoots database. Despite the earliest records of the Ballard surname originating in the United Kingdom, its presence in the United States has exceeded that of its origin country over the centuries. Today, the Ballard surname can be found in numerous countries globally, including but not limited to, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Explore Ballard last name heritage and Ballard surname origin based on YourRoots Map data
VIEW THE ORIGIN OF SURNAME BALLARD
Famous People With Ballard Surame?
J. G. Ballard
James Graham Ballard (15 Nov 1930 – 19 Apr 2009) was an English novelist known for his provocative works exploring human psychology, technology, and mass media. Ballard gained fame for post-apocalyptic novels like "The Drowned World" and controversial works like "Crash." His semi-autobiographical novel "Empire of the Sun" was adapted into a film by Steven Spielberg. Ballard's unique writing style led to the term "Ballardian" to describe dystopian modernity in literature. Born in Shanghai during WWII, his experiences inspired much of his work. Despite his atheism, Ballard had a deep interest in religion. His impact on literature and film continues to be felt today.
Florence Ballard
Florence Glenda Chapman (née Ballard; June 30, 1943 – February 22, 1976) was an American singer and founding member of the Motown vocal female group the Supremes. She achieved success with the group, recording numerous top 40 singles and ten number-one hits. After leaving the Supremes, Ballard faced personal struggles but made efforts for a musical comeback. Tragically, she passed away at the age of 32. Ballard's impact on the music industry was recognized posthumously when she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Supremes in 1988.
Russ Ballard
Russell Glyn Ballard (born Oct 31, 1945) is an English rock singer, guitarist, songwriter, and producer. Known for his work with the band Argent, Ballard became a prolific songwriter with hits like "I Surrender" and "Since You Been Gone" for other artists. He also wrote for bands like Rainbow, America, and ABBA. Ballard's solo hits include "On the Rebound" and "Voices". His contributions to the music industry span across multiple genres and have left a lasting impact on rock music history.
Robert Ballard
Robert Duane Ballard (June 30, 1942 - ) is an American retired Navy officer and professor known for his pioneering work in underwater archaeology and marine geology. Ballard gained fame for discovering famous shipwrecks like the RMS Titanic, battleship Bismarck, and aircraft carrier USS Yorktown. He also found John F. Kennedy's PT-109 and hydrothermal vents, showcasing his passion for ocean exploration. Ballard established the JASON Project and leads expeditions on the research vessel E/V Nautilus, inspiring future generations to explore the mysteries of the sea.
Martha Ballard
Martha Moore Ballard (February 20, 1735 – May 7, 1812) was an American midwife, healer, and diarist known for her detailed journal entries that provided insight into colonial frontier-women's lives. Her diary was later published as "A Midwife's Tale," shedding light on her experiences delivering over 1,000 babies and treating various ailments with herbal remedies. Despite facing personal challenges like her husband's imprisonment and son's indictment, Ballard's dedication to her community and medical expertise left a lasting impact on the historical record.
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