Surname Ballou - Meaning and Origin

Rediscovering Roots: An Unexpected Genetic Journey Through the Ballou Lineage

Delving into the genetic pool of the Ballou surname, the iGENEA DNA test offered unexpected surprises. Tracing my roots back to the early settlers in Rhode Island, I discovered connections to France and surprising Celtic and Mediterranean heritage. I found possible links to the Parisian Huguenot, Maturin Ballou, and even potential ties to the Moor invasion of Iberia.

E. Ballou

Ballou: What does the surname Ballou mean?

The surname Ballou is of French origin, derived from the town of Bellou in Normandy, France. It's an example of a locational surname, a type of surname given to people based on their place of origin or residence. It has also been reported to mean "beautiful place" or "beautiful hill" in French. The Ballous were first found in Maine, area located in the northernmost part of France, in the department of Orne in Normandy. One of the first recorded instances of this name is of Matthias Ballou who moved from France to England during the Norman conquest in the 11th century and from there, some members of the family migrated to America in the late 17th century. Huguenots carried the surname Ballou to Ireland and England and then to New England. Since then, the name has spread to various parts of the United States, particularly the northeast. Some notable people with the surname Ballou include Hosea Ballou, a prominent American Universalist clergyman, and Maturin Murray Ballou, a 19th-century American publisher and writer. This surname is not widely common.

Ballou: Where does the name Ballou come from?

The surname Ballou has its origins in France. Specifically, it is known to be derived from the French term 'Ballon', referring to a balloon, or possibly from an old French personal name, 'Bale'. It's also said to have a possible association with the French town of Ballon in the region of the former province of Maine. The surname later traveled to England during the Norman invasion in 1066, and as a result, it was also found in England, particularly in Dorset.

In the 17th century, French Huguenots with the surname Ballou fled to England due to religious persecutions, and some members of this family later immigrated to North America.

Today, the Ballou surname is most common in the United States, with a particularly strong presence in New England, likely due to early Huguenot migration. In addition to this, the surname may also be found in other parts of the world due to later migrations, but it's most prevalent in the United States.

Variations of the surname Ballou

The surname Ballou may have multiple variants and spellings, reflecting the diversity and evolution of language over time. Variations to the surname Ballou could include Balloue, Balloux, Baloe, Balow and Ballowe.

It can also be found with prefixes, for example, de Ballou, du Ballou, van Ballou, or in combination with other names like Ballou-Lewis or Ballou-Smith.

In terms of etymology, the surname Ballou is believed to be of French origin. Therefore, it might be connected to other similar French surnames like Balou, Balout, or even Ballaud.

The surname also could be a varietal spelling of Bailleul, which is a place in northern France, or Bello, another French surname.

Like many surnames, the spelling of Ballou may have been altered over time as families migrated to different countries. For instance, upon immigrating to English-speaking countries, the French pronunciations would have been anglicized, leading to different spellings.

It's important to note, however, that while these names may share similarities, the only definitive way to connect surnames is through genealogical research, as even similar-sounding names can have completely separate origins.

Famous people with the name Ballou

• Hosea Ballou: An influential American theologian who played an imperative role in the development of Universalism in the U.S.
• Hosea Ballou II: Known as the "father of American Universalism," he was a clergyman and the first president of Tufts College.
• Maturin Murray Ballou: A 19th-century journalist, publisher, and author; he founded the "Boston Daily Globe".
• Robert Ballou: A renowned 20th-century scholar and writer noted for his theological studies.
• Adin Ballou: A famous American minister and pacifist who organized the Hopedale Community.
• Hariot Eaton Stanton Blatch: The daughter of Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Henry Brewster Stanton, she was an American women's rights activist and suffragette.
• Latimer Whipple Ballou: Known for his contributions in the Rhode Island political sphere, he served as a U.S. representative.
• Richard Ballou: A prominent professional actor known for his role in the movie "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra".
• Caleb Alvah Ballou: A famous writer notable for his work on political and industrial subjects.
• Crystal Ballou: An American model and actress who starred in the French film "Alice in Paris". Note: It's crucial to validate the current relevance and accuracy of the information.

Other surnames

BallochBalloughBallow