Ballard is a unique and distinctive given name of English origin. Its meaning and history are deeply rooted in the English language and culture.
The surname Ballard, from which the given name likely originated, is derived from an Old English word "bealwe," meaning "bald" or "fair-haired." This surname was originally given to individuals with light-colored hair or a bald head. Over time, Ballard evolved into a given name as well, carrying with it the same general meaning.
The history of the Ballard name can be traced back to medieval England. In 1273, a certain William Ballard was recorded in the Hundred Rolls, an annual census taken by King Edward I. This early appearance of the surname suggests that Ballards have been part of English families for centuries.
Ballard has also made its mark on American history. The Ballard family played a significant role in the settlement of the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. Thomas Ballard was one of the earliest settlers in Seattle, Washington, arriving there in 1853. His descendants continued to contribute to the development and growth of the city.
Today, Ballard is still considered an uncommon given name, but it carries a strong sense of history and uniqueness. It's a name that stands out and has its own distinctive story to tell. For those who bear this name, they carry with them not just a personal identity, but also a connection to their English heritage and the fascinating tales of the Ballards throughout history.
Here are some interesting statistics about the name Ballard in the United States:
* The name Ballard has seen a varied trend in popularity over time. Between 1880 and 2001, there were a total of 1153 births registered with the name Ballard.
* In its peak years, the name was quite popular:
+ In 1915, there were 29 births.
+ In 1916, that number increased to 33.
+ Then in 1918, it reached another high point with 33 births again.
* However, popularity has declined over time. Since the 1970s, there have been fewer than 10 Ballard births per year on average.
* Despite this decline, there are still occasional spikes:
+ In 1997, there were 7 births with the name Ballard.
+ And in 2001, there were another 6 births.
While the popularity of the name Ballard has waned over time, it is still a unique and historical name that continues to appear among new births each year. It's always fascinating to track how names trend over generations!