Surname Bollard - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'B'
Bollard: What does the surname Bollard mean?
Bollard is of Anglo-Saxon origin and has roots in medieval England. The last name Bollard is derived from the Old English terms "bol" or "bula," meaning a bull, and "heard," meaning hardy, brave, or strong. Therefore, the name might have been initially given as a nickname to a person who was considered as strong or brave as a bull. Over time, it came to be used as a surname. Another interpretation suggests the name could have been bestowed on a person who kept or took care of bulls. It is important to note that the name Bollard may also connect to a geographical location, possibly denoting someone who lived near a distinctive bollard (a short vertical post). The last name Bollard is relatively rare, indicating the name's unique historical and cultural significance. It is found in several countries including England, Scotland, and the United States, among others. Like other surnames, the exact meaning could vary based on regional influences and cultural contexts.
Order DNA origin analysisBollard: Where does the name Bollard come from?
The surname Bollard is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old English term "bollard" meaning "a tree trunk". It was primarily used as a nickname for a person of robust build or possibly for someone who was a woodcutter by trade. The Bollard surname was first found in Yorkshire, England, where the family held a family seat since ancient times.
In terms of distribution, the surname Bollard is fairly uncommon today. According to the WorldNames PublicProfiler, the surname Bollard is mostly found in Ireland, particularly in the region of South-East. It also has a strong presence in Australia and New Zealand due to historical emigration patterns. Within the United States, the highest concentration of people with the surname Bollard can be found in the state of Rhode Island. Despite these concentrations, the overall distribution remains scattered - reflecting the migratory patterns of the past several centuries.
Variations of the surname Bollard
The surname Bollard may show variations in spelling which are closely related or have evolved over time due to regional accents, literacy levels, or translation issues. Such variants could include Ballard, Ballord, Bollord, Bollarde, and Bollart. Each variant can reflect different phonetic spellings by individuals scribing the name.
Bollard primarily originates from the British Isles, specifically England. Some of the earliest records of the surname come from the English counties of Kent and Sussex. Over time and with the emigration of individuals, the surname has spread to other parts of the world, including the United States, Australia, and Canada.
In terms of surnames connected to 'Bollard,' 'Ballard' is most often linked due to their phonetic and historical similarities. Typically, the surnames with the same origin might possess similar meanings or refer to similar occupations, places, or descriptors.
However, it's important to consider that some differences between surnames might arise from translation into different languages or dialects. A surname may also have completely independent origins in different cultures, regions, or languages, while still appearing similar or identical in spelling or pronunciation.
Famous people with the name Bollard
- Thomas Bollard: An Irish politician who was a Member of the Parliament for Dundalk from 1911-1918.
- Andy Bollard: A South African cricketer who played for Gauteng in the 2000s.
- James Bollard: A popular novelist and writer specializing in maritime history.
- Andrew Bollard: A notable cyclist who competed in the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
- Bill Bollard: A notable figure in New Zealand sheep shearing, renowned for setting shearing records.
- Alistair Bollard: A famous cricketer from New Zealand. These are the most notable figures with the last name "Bollard". It is not a widely popular surname among celebrities or well-known figures.