The surname Balestra was first found in Devon where they held a family seat as Lords of the Manor. The Saxon influence of English history diminished after the Battle of Hastings in 1066. The language of the courts was French for the next three centuries and the Norman ambience prevailed. But Saxon surnames survived and the family name was first referenced in the 13th century in Devon.
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Early History of the Balestra family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Balestra research. Another 98 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1293, 1360, 1455, 1487 and 1539 are included under the topic Early Balestra History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
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Balestra Spelling Variations
Only recently has spelling become standardized in the English language. As the English language evolved in the Middle Ages, the spelling of names changed also. The name Balestra has undergone many spelling variations, including Balister, Ballister, Ballester, Ballaster, Balster, Balaster, Balester, Ballyster and many more.
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Early Notables of the Balestra family
More information is included under the topic Early Balestra Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
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Migration of the Balestra family
To escape the unstable social climate in England of this time, many families boarded ships for the New World with the hope of finding land, opportunity, and greater religious and political freedom. Although the voyages were expensive, crowded, and difficult, those families that arrived often found greater opportunities and freedoms than they could have experienced at home. Many of those families went on to make significant contributions to the rapidly developing colonies in which they settled. Early North American records indicate many people bearing the name Balestra were among those contributors: Jose Balister, aged 35, who arrived at Ellis Island, in 1921; and William Balister, aged 20, who arrived at Ellis Island, in 1922.
Contemporary Notables of the name Balestra (post 1700)
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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
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