Balchen History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Etymology of Balchen

What does the name Balchen mean?

The name Balchen is part of the ancient legacy of the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. It is a product of when the family lived at or near a bank or ridge. Further research showed the name was derived from the Old English word Balca which means dweller by the bank or ridge. 1

Early Origins of the Balchen family

The surname Balchen was first found in Oxfordshire, where William Belch was first listed as a Templar in 1185. Later, William le Belch was listed as holding lands in Essex in 1295 and Robert Balch was listed in the Subsidy Rolls of Sussex in 1328. 1

Kirby's Quest lists "Robert Balch, Somerset, 1 Edward III" (holding lands there during the first year's reign of Edward III.) 2

Sir Toby Belch is a character in William Shakespeare's Twelfth Night.

Early History of the Balchen family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Balchen research. Another 164 words (12 lines of text) covering the years 1185, 1295, 1327, 1332, 1604, 1659, 1669, 1670, 1735 and 1744 are included under the topic Early Balchen History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Balchen Spelling Variations

The first dictionaries that appeared in the last few hundred years did much to standardize the English language. Before that time, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. The language was changing, incorporating pieces of other languages, and the spelling of names changed with it. Balchen has been spelled many different ways, including Balch, Balche, Belch, Belche, Ballch, Bellch, Ballche and many more.

Early Notables of the Balchen family

Sir John Balchen (1670-1744), English admiral, was born, according to local tradition and an anonymous inscription on his picture, 'of very obscure parentage, 4 Feb...

Migration of the Balchen family

Thousands of English families in this era began to emigrate the New World in search of land and freedom from religious and political persecution. Although the passage was expensive and the ships were dark, crowded, and unsafe, those who made the voyage safely were rewarded with opportunities unavailable to them in their homeland. Research into passenger and immigration lists has revealed some of the very first Balchens to arrive in North America: John Balch, who arrived in Salem Massachusettes in 1620; Benjamin Balch, who sailed to Massachusettes in 1624 and John Balch, who arrived in Texas in 1836..

Contemporary Notables of the name Balchen (post 1700) +

Bernt Balchen (1899-1973), American aviator

Sources +

Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
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.