Surname Balfe - Meaning and Origin

Balfe: What does the surname Balfe mean?

The last name Balfe is of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic surname Ó Baighill, meaning "descendant of (Domhnall) Baighill". Domhnall was a male given name which originated in Irish mythology and represented a mythical hero who had the power to revive the dead with his harp music. The Baighill were originally a noble family which had its roots stretching back to the ancient Irish kingdom of Breffny.

Most descendants of the Balfe family can trace their route to the original Irish state and county of Breffny. The family name steadily spread throughout the country with branches of the family settling in South East Ulster, County Carlow, County Wexford, County Limerick and County Cork.

The Balfe surname is well recorded in these areas with the earliest recorded reference of the surname being in 1284 in County Carlow. In the 18th and 19th centuries many Balfe families emigrated to America and other countries in search of a new life and opportunities.

Today, the last name Balfe is common throughout the world with the name bearers having a proud connection to their Irish roots and ancestral homeland of Breffny.

Balfe: Where does the name Balfe come from?

The surname Balfe is common in Ireland, particularly in Dublin and other parts of Leinster. It is one of the more numerous surnames there, with a long Irish history.

In the mid-19th century, records show Balfes had more than 1,137 households in Counties Dublin and Wexford and at least a further 82 in other Irish counties, such as Tipperary, Cork, Galway, Carlow, Waterford, Limerick and Meath.

Balfe is still a popular surname, and is often associated with Dublin and other areas in Leinster. In Dublin, today, the name Balfe is found in the southern suburbs and in the city centre.

For those with Irish ancestry, Balfe is found in pubs, clubs, social gatherings and other parts of Irish culture. Outwith Ireland, the surname is also present across the British Isles and further afield, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and beyond.

Variations of the surname Balfe

The surname Balfe can be found spelled in a variety of ways, from Balfe to Baulfe, Balfy, Balffe, Baalfe, Baffy and more. It is believed that the Balfe surname originated in the Twin Provinces of Ireland, which today comprise the modern-day Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

The area of origin of the surname Balfe is believed to be the border area between Connacht and Ulster, near the town of Ballybofey. This area sits along the River Erne and is known historically for its turbulent and often violent past.

The earliest use of this surname can be traced back to the year 1000 when a clan by the name of O'Bealghfa was recorded in the area of Donegal. The clan was named for the Gaelic words for "with wolflike", and directly references their stronghold along the River Erne known as Baile Ui Bhaolchra.

The surname Balfe can also be found spelled as Ballfey, Baalfe, Balfee and Ballyfee. Other variant spellings include Baufe, Baurfe, Bauffe, Baufy and Bowfe. Irish records show the name spelled in the Gaelic as Bail Effe, Báilfe, O Bailiff, Baile-i-Bhaolchra and Bui Bhaolchra.

The Balfe surname is also related to the surnames Brett, Britt and Bretton. These surnames, which are also Irish in origin, are believed to be descended from the Gaelic O'Brait. Therefore, it is possible that a person with the surname Balfe could be related to someone with the surname Brett, Britt or Bretton.

Famous people with the name Balfe

• Lorne Balfe: Lorne Balfe is a British music composer, songwriter, and music producer who has written music for blockbusters including The Redd Randy Burns Show, Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation, and Skyfall. He is an award-winning composer, having garnered two Golden Globe Award nominations, one Primetime Emmy Award, one BAFTA nomination, and is currently scoring the upcoming seventh installment in the Fast & Furious saga.
• Ben Balfe: Ben Balfe is an Irish composer and songwriter, most noted for writing the little-known but highly successful song “George of the Jungle” which has been used in over 35 films and grossed over $100 million worldwide. He has also written multiple award-winning songs, including many for “The Simpsons” and “Family Guy”, and is currently scoring the upcoming “Free Guy” video game.
• Walter Balfe: Walter Balfe was an English composer, conductor, and band leader who composed several popular songs and was a major contributor to London's music scene in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He was very active in theatre and composed music for many different productions. His most famous compositions include “The Bohemian Girl” and “Bluebells of Scotland”.
• Lisa Balfe: Lisa Balfe is an English actress who starred in the ITV horror series “Echo Beach” as Maggie O’Hara. She has also appeared in “My Life as a Popat” and “Doctors”; she also had a recurring role in the British crime drama “The Bill”.
• Edmund Balfe: Edmund Balfe is an English musician, singer, songwriter, and producer. He is the lead singer and rhythm guitarist for the alternative rock band “The Horrors” and is best known for his work as a producer of hit records. He won a Grammy Award in 2000 for producing the Best Traditional Blues Album.

Other surnames

BalffeBalfour