The distinguished surname Balleste 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 Balleste thus means "son or descendant of the crossbowman."
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Early Origins of the Balleste family
The surname Balleste was first found in the northeastern region of the Iberian peninsula. The earliest references to the Spanish surname Balleste 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.
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Early History of the Balleste family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Balleste research. Another 69 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1333, 1370, 1387 and 1405 are included under the topic Early Balleste History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
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Balleste Spelling Variations
Spelling variations of this family name include: Ballestero, Ballesteros, Ballesta, Ballesté and many more.
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Early Notables of the Balleste 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 King of Aragon in 1333. Also notable was Gabriel Ballester was ambassador of the Kingdom of Mallorca in Barcelona in 1405, and Juan Ballester, who held the...
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Migration of the Balleste 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.
Spain
