The name Ballert is rooted in the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture. It was a name for someone who was a person known for their lack of hair. As a point of interest, the name is derived from the Old English word ball-ard, which means a bald headed man. [1]
Another source claims the name was Celtic or Gaelic in origin "from Ball, a place, a round elevation; and ard, high. The Gaelic word Ballart signifies noisy, boasting. Bal also signifies a lord, and ard, high." [2] Yet another source claims the name was "an ancient baptismal name, Balard." [3]
The surname Ballert was first found in various counties and shire of England. Various sources claim different first records of the family. "Ballard is another old Kent name. The Ballards owned Sapinton manor from the time of Henry IV. until that of Philip and Mary. Robert Ballard, butler of Richard II., received from his Sovereign the manor of West Combe. In the reign of Henry VI., Thomas Ballard, of Horton Parva, was one of the sheriffs of Kent." [4]
Kirby's Quest notes that the earliest record of the name was temp. Edward III when Richard Balleheved and Petrr Ballard were listed there. [5] The Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 list: Alurell Balard in Essex, 1273; Dreu Ballard in Huntingdonshire; and Thomas Ballard in Somerset. [1]
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Ballert research. Another 76 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1379, 1615, 1634, 1657, 1586, 1630, 1689, 1680, 1682, 1654 and 1710 are included under the topic Early Ballert History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Ballert has been spelled many different ways. Before English spelling became standardized over the last few hundred years, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. As the English language changed in the Middle Ages, absorbing pieces of Latin and French, as well as other languages, the spelling of people's names also changed considerably, even over a single lifetime. Many variations of the name Ballert have been found, including Ballard, Bellard, Bellhird, Belhyrd, Bellerd, Bellird, Belard, Balard, Ballird and many more.
Distinguished members of the family include John Ballard (d. 1586), English Roman Catholic priest who owes his fame solely to his connection with the Babington conspiracy; Colonel Thomas Ballard (1630-1689) English-born, early American...
Another 32 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Ballert Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
In an attempt to escape the chaos experienced in England, many English families boarded overcrowded and diseased ships sailing for the shores of North America and other British colonies. Those families hardy enough, and lucky enough, to make the passage intact were rewarded with land and a social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families became important contributors to the young colonies in which they settled. Early immigration and passenger lists have documented some of the first Ballerts to arrive on North American shores: