Ballacchi History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

• Origins Available:
• Italy

Etymology of Ballacchi

From the historical and fascinating Italian region of Venice emerged a multitude of noble families, including the distinguished Ballacchi family. Although people were originally known only by a single name, it became necessary for people to adapt a second name to identify themselves as populations grew and travel became more frequent. The process of adopting fixed hereditary surnames was not complete until the modern era, but the use of hereditary family names in Italy began in the 10th and 11th centuries. Italian hereditary surnames were developed according to fairly general principles and they are characterized by a profusion of derivatives coined from given names. Although the most common type of family name found in the region of Venice is the patronymic surname, which is derived from the father's given name, the nickname type of surname is also frequently found. Nickname surnames were derived from an eke-name, or added name. They usually reflected the physical characteristics or attributes of the first person that used the name. The surname Ballacchi came from a person who was nicknamed a "rascal" deriving its origin from the Italian word balosso.

Early Origins of the Ballacchi family

Early History of the Ballacchi family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Ballacchi research. The years 1278, 1301, 1398, 1403, 1469, 1535, 1567, 1794 and 1802 are included under the topic Early Ballacchi History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ballacchi Spelling Variations

In comparison with other European surnames, Italian surnames have a surprising number of forms. They reflect the regional variations and the many dialects of the Italian language, each with its own distinctive features. For example, in Northern Italy the typical Italian surname suffix is "i", whereas in Southern Italy it is "o". Additionally, spelling changes frequently occurred because medieval scribes and church officials often spelled names as they sounded rather than according to any specific spelling rules. The spelling variations in the name Ballacchi include Balli, Ballo, Balla, Balletti, Balletto, Ballini, Ballotti, Balloni, Ballone, Ballon, Ballandi, Ballanti, Ballante, Ballantini, Balleri, Ballero, Ballerini, Ballerino, Ballarini, Ballarin, Ballaro, Ballatore, Balladore, Ballacchi, Ballada, Ballai, Ballardi, Bellarini, Ballaroto, Ballonio, Ballotta and many more.

Early Notables of the Ballacchi family

• Guido Ballacchi, a Bishop of Rimini in 1278, and Lorenzo Ballacchi, who took the position in 1301

Migration of the Ballacchi family

Early immigration records have shown some of the first Ballacchis to arrive on North American shores: Alfonso Balletti, aged 32, who arrived at Ellis Island from Licata, Italy, in 1920; Angelo Balletti, aged 23, who arrived at Ellis Island from Licata, Girgentii, in 1913.