Ballardt History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
The earliest origins of the family name Ballardt date back to the Anglo-Saxon culture of Britain. It was a name given to a person known for their lack of hair. As a point of interest, the name is derived from the Old English word ball-ard, which means a bald headed man. [1]
Another source claims the name was Celtic or Gaelic in origin "from Ball, a place, a round elevation; and ard, high. The Gaelic word Ballart signifies noisy, boasting. Bal also signifies a lord, and ard, high." [2] Yet another source claims the name was "an ancient baptismal name, Balard." [3]
Early Origins of the Ballardt family
The surname Ballardt was first found in various counties and shire of England. Various sources claim different first records of the family. "Ballard is another old Kent name. The Ballards owned Sapinton manor from the time of Henry IV. until that of Philip and Mary. Robert Ballard, butler of Richard II., received from his Sovereign the manor of West Combe. In the reign of Henry VI., Thomas Ballard, of Horton Parva, was one of the sheriffs of Kent." [4]
Kirby's Quest notes that the earliest record of the name was temp. Edward III when Richard Balleheved and Petrr Ballard were listed there. [5] The Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 list: Alurell Balard in Essex, 1273; Dreu Ballard in Huntingdonshire; and Thomas Ballard in Somerset. [1]
Important Dates for the Ballardt family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Ballardt research. Another 76 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1379, 1615, 1634, 1657, 1586, 1630, 1689, 1680, 1682, 1654 and 1710 are included under the topic Early Ballardt History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Ballardt Spelling Variations
Before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago, spelling variations of names were a common occurrence. Elements of Latin, French and other languages became incorporated into English through the Middle Ages, and name spellings changed even among the literate. The variations of the surname Ballardt include Ballard, Bellard, Bellhird, Belhyrd, Bellerd, Bellird, Belard, Balard, Ballird and many more.
Early Notables of the Ballardt family (pre 1700)
Distinguished members of the family include John Ballard (d. 1586), English Roman Catholic priest who owes his fame solely to his connection with the Babington conspiracy; Colonel Thomas Ballard (1630-1689) English-born, early American...
Another 32 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Ballardt Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Migration of the Ballardt family
A great wave of immigration to the New World was the result of the enormous political and religious disarray that struck England at that time. Families left for the New World in extremely large numbers. The long journey was the end of many immigrants and many more arrived sick and starving. Still, those who made it were rewarded with an opportunity far greater than they had known at home in England. These emigrant families went on to make significant contributions to these emerging colonies in which they settled. Some of the first North American settlers carried this name or one of its variants: Mary Ballord, who arrived in Boston in 1635; William Ballord, who came to Boston in 1635; Hester Ballord, who arrived in Boston in 1635; Elizabeth Ballord, who arrived in Lynn, MA in 1635.
^ Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
^ Arthur, William , An Etymological Dictionary of Family and Christian Names. London: 1857. Print
^ Guppy, Henry Brougham, Homes of Family Names in Great Britain. 1890. Print.
^ Dickinson, F.H., Kirby's Quest for Somerset of 16th of Edward the 3rd London: Harrison and Sons, Printers in Ordinary to Her Majesty, St, Martin's Lane, 1889. Print.
Ballardt (English)