Bayliff History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

• Origins Available:
• Wales
• Ireland

Etymology of Bayliff

The surname Bayliff is derived from the Old French word baillis, which is the nominative form of the word bailliff. The name was originally occupational for a bailiff, a deputy of a king or lord, whose duties included collecting of rents and administering justice. In Wales, this name was for an agent of the English lords of the marches.

"The office, being of importance, was usually held by Normans of rank." 1

Early Origins of the Bayliff family

Early History of the Bayliff family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Bayliff research. Another 77 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1300, 1500, 1860 and 1924 are included under the topic Early Bayliff History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Bayliff Spelling Variations

Although there are not an extremely large number Welsh surnames, there are an inordinately large number of spelling variations of those surnames. This variety of spellings began almost immediately after the acceptance of surnames within Welsh society. As time progressed, these old Brythonic names were eventually were recorded in English. This process was problematic in that many of the highly inflected sounds of the native language of Wales could not be properly captured in English. Some families, however, did decide to modify their own names to indicate a branch loyalty within the family, a religious adherence, or even a patriotic affiliation. The name Bayliff has seen various spelling variations: Bayliss, Bailiss, Baliss, Balis, Balies, Bayles, Bayliff, Bayliffe, Bailiff, Bailiffe and many more.

Early Notables of the Bayliff family

Another 33 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Bayliff Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Bayliff family to Ireland

Some of the Bayliff family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. More information about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.