Surname Balow - Meaning and Origin
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Balow: What does the surname Balow mean?
The origin of the surname Balow is from a German and Scandinavian background and it is derived from the Old Balo, meaning “hero” or “champion.” It is a variant of the name Balo, which originated in Prussia. This surname was first used in Germany and it is believed that many of the bearers of the name were champions of the traditional militia which was very popular in Prussia in the 14th century.
The people with this surname were seen as brave, courageous, and fiercely loyal to their families and communities. These traits have carried down through history and they represent the strength and character of those with this surname.
As time moved on, the people with Balow spread out into different European countries like Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland, and eventually found their way to America during the migration of Europeans across the Atlantic in the early 19th century.
Today, people with the surname Balow are found across Europe and America; however, they are still known for their strong loyalty and bravery. This loyalty and strength make the people with this surname passionate about their families, friends, careers, and communities. The name Balow still reflects the same sentiment of centuries ago - that of a strong, courageous, and champion spirit.
Order DNA origin analysisBalow: Where does the name Balow come from?
The last name Balow is today most commonly found in the United States, Germany, and Sweden.
In the US, the Balow surname is most popular in Maine, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. It is also found in other states including New York, California, and Illinois. The 2000 US Census reported 491 people bearing the last name Balow.
It is believed that the Balow surname originated in Germany and is derived from a long-established, prominent family of German nobility. The population of Germany bearing the Balow surname is quite small, with less than 500 people carrying the name.
In Sweden, the Balow surname is more common, accounting for approximately 0.2 percent of the population. Nearby countries, including Denmark, also have a small population of people bearing the Balow surname.
No matter where the Balow surname originated, it is still a fairly uncommon last name today. But its history is intriguing and worth further investigation. It would be interesting to learn more about the ancestry of this truly unique surname.
Variations of the surname Balow
The Balow surname has likely derived from numerous different ethnic origins and contexts, with numerous variants of the name existing as a result. The Balow surname has been variedly spelled in records as "Balow," "Ballow," "Bellow," "Bellows," "Bellave," and "Bellawe," and may sometimes be seen with the prefix "de" or "Mc" in some families.
In terms of etymologies, one possible origin for the name can be found in the old English word "bella," meaning "warrior" or "protector." This would make the name a nickname for someone considered to possess such qualities. Additionally, the surname may be derived from the Middle English phrase "balu" or "balwe," meaning "bold one." This sense of boldness was likely in reference to a person's courage and strength of character.
The surname may alternatively have been derived from patronymic and locational origins, with many families likely taking the name from living near a physical landmark or location that contained the word "balow" or a variant thereof. For example, a hamlet near Manchester in England has been recorded in the past as "Balowcroft," indicative of the Balow surname being taken out of a locational context, with the word "croft" pertaining to a small piece of land or farmland.
It is likely that multiple origins of the Balow surname exist, making it difficult to definitively ascertain the exact origin of the name in many cases. Nevertheless, the various spellings and contexts of the Balow surname continue to be used and seen by many families today.
Famous people with the name Balow
- Jacob Balow (artist, sculptor, and educator)
- Clare Balow (first female tenured professor, medical pioneer, and health advocate)
- Patricia Balow (international disabled athlete and motivational speaker)
- Elizabeth Balow (political campaign manager and media producer)
- Jimmy Balow (Olympic fencing coach and referee)
- Fred Balow (professional basketball player and coach)
- Belinda Balow (author and artist)
- Thomas Balow (German soccer player)
- Mary Balow (actress and singer)
- Maria Balow (cycling champion and European medalist)