Balestra History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Spain

The distinguished surname Balestra is of Spanish descent, and is believed to be of occupational origin as it is derived from the occupation or trade of the original bearer of the name. The surname derives from the Spanish word "ballestero," or "crossbowman," from the term "ballesta," meaning "crossbow." The surname Balestra thus means "son or descendant of the crossbowman."

Early Origins of the Balestra family

The surname Balestra was first found in the northeastern region of the Iberian peninsula. The earliest references to the Spanish surname Balestra date back to the thirteenth century, when one Ramon Ballester was lord of the castle of Alaro in 1285, at the time of the conquest of Mallorca by King Alfonso of Aragon.

Early History of the Balestra family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Balestra research. Another 69 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1333, 1370, 1387 and 1405 are included under the topic Early Balestra History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Balestra Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Ballestero, Ballesteros, Ballesta, Ballesté and many more.

Early Notables of the Balestra family

Prominent among bearers of the family name in this era was Antonio Ballester (died 1387), Archbishop of Athens from 27 March 1370, when appointed by Pope Urban VI, until his death; Arnaldo Ballester, who was counselor to the...
Another 38 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Balestra Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Balestra family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: Alonso Ballersteros who arrived in New Spain in 1567 with his wife Constanza de Sese, Pedro Ballester who voyaged to Guatemala in 1577; and Francisco Ballesteros who sailed to Havana, Cuba with his wife Jeronima Perez de Ballesteros in 1597. Among later settlers were Jose Ballestero who emigrated to Puerto Rico in 1816.

Contemporary Notables of the name Balestra (post 1700) +

Óscar López Balestra (1934-2023), Uruguayan politician who served in the Chamber of Representatives from 1972 to 1973 and again from 1985 to 1990
Renato Balestra OMRI (1924-2022), Italian fashion designer and founder of the Balestra brand and company