Surname Ballach - Meaning and Origin
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Ballach: What does the surname Ballach mean?
The last name Ballach is an Anglicized form of the Gaelic Ó Beallacháin, which roughly translates to “son of the townlands,” that is, a local land-holding family. The Gaelic surname is originally derived from the Middle Irish word beallach, meaning “Beautiful” or “Majestic.”
The Ballach name can be found throughout Ireland, primarily in the areas of County Mayo, County Cork, County Kerry, and County Galway. It is also a fairly common name in America, having first been introduced to the US during the Irish diaspora of the 19th century.
The bearer of this surname was likely someone who knights, chieftains, or landlords in their native Ireland. Ballach was also likely used as an occupational surname, meaning "a tenant farmer." These farmers were tenant landowners in villages or individual households.
Today, the Ballach name is still a proud Irish name. Its meaning remains the same: a proud and majestic Irish clan with strong ties to the beauty and strength of their homeland. Those who carry the name are proud of their family roots and many have found a place in the world that they can call home.
Order DNA origin analysisBallach: Where does the name Ballach come from?
The last name Ballach is a prominent surname originating from Scotland. It is most commonly found in the Isles of the Hebrides, with a large concentration around the Isle of Skye. It is not as commonly found on the mainland.
The Ballach name is strongly associated with the ancient clan MacDonald, which is found throughout the Highlands. This clan is one of the best-documented in Scottish history and is known for its military prowess and battles with English coastal forces. Ballachs were among the great Highland leaders of the time and actively participated in many of the clan's activities.
Today, the name Ballach is still commonly found on the Isles of the Hebrides. It is far less common on the mainland of Scotland, though there are plenty of exceptions. There are also a number of Ballachs living in Northern Ireland, Ireland, England, Canada, The United States, and Australia.
The Ballach surname is becoming increasingly more popular around the world, as people of Scottish descent come to embrace their heritage more strongly in recent years. It is likely to continue to expand with increased globalization.
Variations of the surname Ballach
The surname Ballach is of Scottish origin and is derived from the Gaelic phrase "baile each", meaning 'horse town'. Alternate spellings of Ballach include Balloch, Ballaghe, Balaghe, Balleghe, Balloch, Ballagh, Ballache, Balloche and Baloche.
Variant surnames include Ballagh, Balaghe, Balloch, Ballache, Balleghe, Ballaghy, and Ballaghey, as well as Balach, Ballaghy, Ballaghoise, Ballaghy and Ballochy. Ballagh is the usual spelling in Ireland, where the surname is also common.
The Ballaghs are a family of Scots from Angus in Scotland, with the original spelling 'Baltough'. The Ballaghs settled in Co Monaghan, Ireland, in the 17th century, eventually becoming known as Ballaghs in Ireland. This family are descended from William Ballach of Aberdeen, who was among the earliest settlers of the district of Midwell in the County of Monaghan.
The Balaghes are a Scottish family from Scotland, originating in Angus and Aberdeenshire. The family were prominent in many parts of Ireland and Scotland in the 16th and 17th centuries, although their subsequent history is not well documented.
The Balloches were a family of Scots who left Scotland in the early part of the 17th century and settled in Derry. They were also prominent in Co. Monaghan in the 17th and 18th centuries.
The Balleghes are also a Scottish family of Scottish extraction, who settled in Co. Monaghan in the 17th century and were prominent in county Monaghan in the early part of the 18th century.
The Ballochy surname is an anglicized form of the Gaelic name Baile Each which means ‘horse town'. The Ballochy family can trace its ancestry to a clan of Lowland Scots who were prominent in southern Scotland in the 12th century and also settled in Co. Monaghan in the 17th century.
The Ballaghose, Ballaghy and Ballaghoice are also anglicized forms of the Gaelic name, Baile Each, and can trace their ancestry to the same clan of Lowland Scots. The Ballaghoice family were prominent in Co. Antrim, Ireland, in the 17th century.
Surnames of a similar origin and/or spelling, such as Ballah, Balla, Ballahy, Balighy, Balloy, Balough, and Bolaugh, may also be related to Ballach.
Famous people with the name Ballach
- Robert Ballack: Former German International footballer who played for teams such as Bayern Munich and Chelsea Football Club.
- Bryan Ballach: Former professional Canadian football player, now a broadcaster.
- Kyle Ballach: Professional American lacrosse player.
- Helga Ballach: Model and actress from Berlin, Germany.
- Charles Ballach: Canadian professional wrestler.
- Haley Ballach: Singer-songwriter and musician from Canada.
- Craig Ballach: Former Major League Baseball pitcher.
- Ginger Ballach: American fitness model and entrepreneur.
- Aaron Ballach: Mixed martial arts fighter from the United States.
- Willi Ballach: German politician and member of the Social Democratic Party of Germany.