Name Directory by Last Name: Last Names Starting with Ba

The surname Bailey has its roots in medieval England, deriving from the Old French term "bailli," which means "bailiff" or "steward." This occupational surname first appeared in the 12th century, particularly after the Norman Conquest of 1066, when the feudal system established roles such as bailiffs to manage estates and collect rents. As a result, individuals bearing the surname Bailey were often associated with positions of authority and responsibility within their communities, overseeing agricultural production and local governance.

The surname Barnes has its historical roots in England, deriving from the Old English word "bern," which means "barn" or "a place where grain is stored." The name likely originated as a topographic surname for someone who lived near or worked in a barn, or it could have been a locational surname for someone from a place named Barnes, such as the area in southwest London. The earliest recorded instances of the surname date back to the 13th century, with variations appearing in different regions.

The surname Barker has its historical roots in England, deriving from the Old English word "bearc," which means "a baker" or "one who bakes." The name first appeared in the medieval period, with records dating back to the 13th century. It was often associated with individuals who were involved in the baking trade, a vital occupation in communities where bread was a staple food.

The surname Ball has its historical roots primarily in England, with its earliest appearances dating back to the medieval period. The name is believed to derive from the Old English word "beall," meaning "a ball" or "a round object," which may have originally referred to a person who was round in shape or perhaps a player of ball games.

The surname Bates has its historical origins in England, deriving from the medieval given name "Bate," which is a diminutive form of "Bartholomew." The name Bartholomew itself comes from the Aramaic "bar-Talmay," meaning "son of the furrow." The surname Bates first appeared in written records in the 13th century, with its bearers often associated with agricultural roles, reflecting the agrarian society of medieval England. Over time, the name evolved, with variations such as Bateman and Batts emerging, often indicating a familial connection to a person named Bate.

The surname Baldwin has its roots in Old French and Middle English, deriving from the personal name "Baldwin," which itself comes from the Germanic elements "bald," meaning bold or brave, and "wine," meaning friend. The name first appeared in England after the Norman Conquest of 1066, when many Norman nobles brought their names to England.

The surname Barton has its historical roots in England, deriving from the Old English term "bere-tun," which translates to "barley town" or "farmstead." This indicates that the name likely originated as a locational surname, referring to individuals who lived near or came from a place characterized by barley cultivation. The earliest recorded instances of the surname date back to the 12th century, with various spellings appearing in historical documents, including "Barton" and "Bertone." Over time, the surname became associated with various occupations, particularly in agriculture, reflecting the agrarian lifestyle of medieval England.

The surname Barber has its historical roots in the Old French word "barbier," which means "barber" or "shaver," and is derived from the Latin "barbarius," meaning "bearded." The name first appeared in England after the Norman Conquest of 1066, when many French words and customs were introduced into the English language. Barbers in medieval society were not only responsible for cutting hair but also performed various medical procedures, including bloodletting and minor surgeries, which elevated their social status.

The surname Barry has its historical roots primarily in Ireland, deriving from the Gaelic name "O'Beara," which means "descendant of Beara." The name Beara itself is believed to be derived from the word "bear," which can signify a warrior or a strong person, reflecting the traits of those who originally bore the name. The O'Beara family was historically associated with the province of Munster, particularly in County Kerry, where they were known as a prominent Gaelic clan.

The surname Baxter has its historical roots in medieval England, deriving from the Old English word "bæc," meaning "baker." It is a patronymic surname, originally denoting someone who was a baker by trade. The name first appeared in written records in the 12th century, particularly in the northern regions of England, where the occupation of baking was essential for daily sustenance.

The surname Banks has its historical origins in England, deriving from the Old English word "banc," which means a bank or mound, often referring to a riverbank or hillside. The name first appeared in written records in the 13th century, particularly in the northern regions of England.

The surname Bauer has its roots in the German and Jewish (Ashkenazic) cultures, deriving from the Middle High German word "būre," which means "farmer" or "peasant." This occupational surname first appeared in the medieval period, particularly in regions of Germany, where agriculture was a primary means of livelihood. As a surname, Bauer reflects the agrarian lifestyle of its bearers, often associated with rural communities and the cultivation of land.

The surname Barnett has its historical roots in England, deriving from the Old French personal name "Bernard," which itself comes from the Germanic elements "ber" (bear) and "hard" (brave or hardy). The name first appeared in the medieval period, particularly after the Norman Conquest of 1066, when many French names were introduced into England.

The surname Bartlett has its roots in medieval England, deriving from the given name "Bart," which itself is a diminutive of "Bartholomew," a name of Aramaic origin meaning "son of the furrow." The surname first appeared in the 13th century, with early records indicating its presence in various regions of England, particularly in the counties of Kent and Sussex. Over time, the name evolved, with variations such as Bartlet and Bartlette emerging, often reflecting regional dialects and phonetic changes.

The surname Bacon has its historical roots in medieval England, deriving from the Old French word "bacon," which means "bacon" or "cured meat." It is believed to have originated as a nickname for someone who either produced or sold bacon, or perhaps for someone who had a stocky build reminiscent of a cured pig. The earliest recorded instances of the surname date back to the 12th century, with notable mentions in the Domesday Book of 1086.

The surname Baird has its historical roots in Scotland, particularly associated with the Gaelic word "baird," which translates to "bard" or "poet." This indicates that the original bearers of the surname were likely involved in the oral tradition of storytelling and poetry, a respected role in Scottish culture. The surname first appeared in written records in the 12th century, with its early bearers often linked to the Scottish Highlands.

The surname Barr has its historical roots primarily in Scotland and Ireland, deriving from the Gaelic word "bar," which means "hill" or "mountain." The name is often associated with geographical features, indicating that the original bearers may have lived near or on elevated land. The surname first appeared in written records in the 13th century, with its development linked to the feudal system where surnames became hereditary.

The surname Barlow has its historical roots in England, with its earliest appearances dating back to the medieval period. The name is derived from the Old English elements "beorh," meaning hill, and "hlaw," meaning mound or barrow, suggesting a geographical origin related to a hill or burial mound.

The surname Ballard has its historical roots in medieval England, with its earliest appearances traced back to the 12th century. The name is believed to derive from the Old French word "balard," which means "a person who is bold or brave," or from the Middle English term "bald," referring to someone who is bald or shaven-headed.

The surname Bass has its historical origins rooted in the Old French word "basse," which means "low" or "short," and is believed to have been used as a nickname for someone of short stature or perhaps for someone living in a low-lying area. The surname first appeared in records in England during the medieval period, particularly after the Norman Conquest of 1066, when many French names were introduced into the English lexicon.