Surname Ball - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'B'
A Personal Journey Through History: Unveiling the Roots of the Surname 'Ball' with iGENEA DNA Test
Taking the iGENEA DNA test, I found the origins of my surname 'Ball,' traced back to Worcestershire's West Midlands during the Anglo-Saxon period. The analysis linked me to the Germanic tribes predominantly in Northwestern Europe. The iGENEA's database helped in locating and communicating with other Ball surname holders globally.
R. Ball
read moreBall: What does the surname Ball mean?
The surname Ball is of English origin and has multiple potential meanings. It could possibly be derived from the Middle English word "bal," meaning a rounded hill or mound, therefore referencing someone who lived near such a geographical feature. Ball could also be derived from "balle," a term used to describe a person who was bald, or from the Old Norse name "Balle" which was often given to a short, stocky person. Furthermore, it could also signify a person known for playing with a ball.
The Ball surname was common in Cheshire and surrounding counties in England. Notable people with the surname Ball include chemist Robert S. Ball, Astronomer Sir Robert Ball, and the famous American actress Lucille Ball. It is widespread in English-speaking countries such as the United States, Britain, Canada, and Australia. As most surnames, the exact meaning can be challenging to pinpoint due to centuries of migration, intermarriage, and language change.
Order DNA origin analysisBall: Where does the name Ball come from?
The surname 'Ball' is predominantly of English and Welsh origins, deriving from the old English word 'bealla', meaning 'bald'. It was usually a nickname for a man with little or no hair. Sometimes it may be considered topographical, reflecting someone who lived by a knoll or rounded hill, or occupational for a person who made or sold ball bearings. Its first recorded spelling dates back to 1086 during the reign of King William I in England.
Today, the Ball surname is common throughout the English-speaking world, with the highest concentrations found in the United States, England, and Australia. According to Forebears, United States has the highest number of people with the surname 'Ball'. Within England, it is most densely populated in Cheshire County. In Australia, the Ball surname is most common in Victoria.
Variations of the surname Ball
The surname Ball has several variants and related surnames which could come from the same root. They are mainly English, derived from the Old English 'bealla', meaning 'ball'. Variants include Balla, Balli, Balle, Baller, Ballen, and Baell. It can also be found with a prefix such as Blackball or Butterball, which are specific to certain families or regions.
The surname could also be of Germanic origin, derived from the personal name 'Bald', with variants such as Baller, Ballen, and Ballerstedt.
The Irish surname Ball is a variant of the name McCool, anglicized from the Gaelic name Mac Giolla Chomhghaill, meaning 'son of the servant of St. Comghal'.
The Ball surname may also be a variant of the Welsh name Ap Howell, derived from 'ap Hywel', meaning 'son of Hywel'.
However, variations in spelling of the same surname can be numerous due to translation and transcription errors over the centuries. The name could potentially be spelled differently in older or foreign documents, such as "Bawl" or "Baule".
It is important to note that although these surnames share the same spelling, they may not share the same origin or meaning due to regional differences and evolution of language over time.
It is always recommended to conduct an individual genealogical research to confirm the specific origin and variants of any surname.
Famous people with the name Ball
- Lucille Ball: A popular actress and comedienne, best known for "I Love Lucy".
- Desi Arnaz Jr. Ball: Lucille Ball's son, an actor and musician.
- Lonzo Ball: A professional basketball player in the NBA.
- LaMelo Ball: Also a professional basketball player in the NBA and Lonzo's younger brother.
- LeVar Ball: Former basketball and American football player, and father of Lonzo and LaMelo Ball.
- Alan Ball: An American television writer, director, and producer known for creating "True Blood" and "Six Feet Under".
- Ernie Ball: Famous entrepreneur, musician and innovator in the development of guitar-related products.
- Zoe Ball: An English television and radio personality.
- Michael Ball: An English actor, singer and radio and TV presenter.
- Father Charles E. Ball: A well-known figure in the Catholic Church.
- Johnny Ball: A British TV personality and presenter, known for his programs on math and science.
- Robert Ball: Internationally recognized illustrator and designer.
- Angela Ball: American poet and professor.
- Garrett Ball: An American politician who served as a U.S. Senator from Virginia.
- Jesse Ball: An American novelist and poet.
- Chris Ball: British film and television producer.