NomOrigine Background

Last Name Balch

What is the origin of the last name Balch?

The last name "Balch" is of English origin. It is believed to be a surname derived from a place name, such as "Balch" or "Balchepool," which were names of lost or extinct villages in England. Another possibility is that it originated as a nickname for someone who had a pale complexion or fair hair, as "balch" in Old English meant "pale" or "white." Overall, the exact origin and meaning of the last name "Balch" may vary in different regions and family lines.

Unlock and discover the hidden secrets of the surname Balch

Unlock the Secrets of Your Surname Now

For only 3.95 $, you get:

  • Full access for 7 days
  • Unlimited access to all name and surname profiles
  • High-quality Origin Certificate
  • Download: Keep a precious memory with your origins downloadable in PDF format.
  • Unlimited search
  • Ad-Free: Enjoy a smooth and uninterrupted user experience.
  • ✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!
Unlock the Secrets of Your Surname Now
🎁 Special offer today: 3.95 $ instead of 6.95 $
⏳ This exclusive offer expires in:

✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!

What our users say

“I discovered fascinating details about my family history. This service is amazing for tracing our roots!” - Jean D.

“This site strengthened our sense of family belonging by uncovering our origins. Highly recommended!” - Marie L.

“The information was detailed and accurate. I learned interesting facts about my ancestors. A must-have!” - Paul S.

✅ Join the 5,000+ people who have already discovered the fascinating history of their last name!

Discover my family history now

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What will I discover by exploring my last name?
Answer: You will discover the geographical origin, etymology, and unique history of your last name. You can also explore family traditions and historical events connected to it.

Question: How long does it take to access the information?
Answer: Once your payment is confirmed, access is instant. You can start exploring right away.

Question: Are the details about my last name accurate?
Answer: Our data comes from extensive research in reliable archives and historical databases. While we cannot guarantee 100% accuracy, we strive to provide the most complete and precise information possible.

Payment Information

or pay by card

By clicking 'Confirm my payment', you agree to our refund policy, accessible via this link: Refund Policy, as well as our cancellation policy accessible via this link: Cancellation Policy

Learn more about the origin of the last name Balch

The meaning and origin of the last name Balch

The surname Balch is of English origin and is believed to have derived from various sources. One possible origin is from the Old English word "balch," meaning "bold" or "brave," reflecting the characteristics of an individual associated with this surname. Another potential root is the Norman-French name "Bauchet" or "Balgchet," denoting a person who held the occupation of a purse or money pouch maker. It is also thought to be an anglicized version of the Irish name "Ó Bealáin," which means "descendant of Bealán," a personal name derived from the word "bealán," signifying a "spear." Over time, variations of this surname have emerged, including Balche, Balchin, and Balchunas. As with many surnames, different branches of the family may have developed this name independently or may have changed it due to various regional accents and dialectal variations.

Geographical distribution of the last name Balch

The last name Balch is mainly found in the United States and England, with smaller populations in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. In the United States, the highest concentration of individuals with the surname Balch can be found in the states of Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine. This could be attributed to the fact that Balch is an English surname, and many early settlers sharing this name arrived in these regions during colonial times. In England, the name is particularly associated with the county of Somerset, where the Balch family originated. Over time, some members of the Balch family migrated to other English counties, resulting in a dispersed distribution across the country. The relatively small populations of Balch found in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand are likely a result of migration and emigration patterns from the United States and England.

Variants and spellings of the last name Balch

The last name Balch may be spelled and pronounced differently in various regions and time periods. Some variations and alternate spellings of the name include Baltch, Balc, Balash, Balche, Bauch, Balck, Balk, and Balsch. Additionally, the name might undergo further variations depending on the cultural background or immigration history of the individual or family. For instance, individuals with German ancestry may spell it as Balch, while those with Scandinavian roots may have variations like Balchsen or Balchsson. Other factors such as dialectal differences, regional accents, or language evolution can also contribute to the diverse spellings and pronunciations. Therefore, it is crucial to understand that surnames like Balch can differ significantly, reflecting the complex history of linguistic and cultural influences on family names.

Famous people with the last name Balch

Famous individuals with the last name Balch include notable figures from various fields. One prominent personality is Emily Greene Balch (1867-1961), an eminent American economist, sociologist, and peace activist. She was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1946 for her efforts in promoting global peace and disarmament. Emily Balch co-founded the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom, an organization aiming to secure human rights and gender equality worldwide.

Another notable Balch is Thomas Willing Balch (1821-1877), an American lawyer and diplomat who served as the United States Consul in Bahia, Brazil. Known for his expertise on international law and diplomatic affairs, Thomas Balch played a significant role in improving relations with Brazil and promoting the rights of American citizens abroad. In addition to his diplomatic contributions, Balch authored several books on the history of Virginia, showcasing his interest in ancestry and genealogy. Both Emily and Thomas Balch left a lasting impact in their respective fields of peace activism and diplomacy, respectively.

Genealogical research on the last name Balch

The last name Balch has its origins in England and has a long and interesting genealogical history. The name is thought to be derived from the Old English word "bealcere," which means "the balker" or "the impediment." It is likely that this surname was given to someone who worked as an obstacle or struggled to move forward in their occupation, possibly as a plowman or road builder. The earliest recorded instance of the Balch surname dates back to the late 13th century in England, specifically in the county of Sussex. Over the centuries, the Balch family expanded and migrated to various regions, including America, where they played a significant role in the early settlement of Massachusetts. Notable Balch descendants have included clergymen, military figures, and prominent community leaders. Genealogical research on the Balch name offers a fascinating insight into the history and diverse branches of this family tree.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 April 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

Bal (Last name)

surnames > bal

The last name "Bal" can have various origins and meanings depending on the cultural and geographical context. Here are a few possibilities: 1. The last name "Bal" is of Turkish or...

Bal bal (Last name)

surnames > bal-bal

The surname "Bal Bal" is of Turkish origin. It is derived from the Turkish word "bal" which means honey. It is likely a surname that was given to someone who worked with or sold ho...

Bal govind (Last name)

surnames > bal-govind

The last name "Bal Govind" is of Indian origin. It is derived from Sanskrit words, with "Bal" meaning "strength" or "power" and "Govind" being a name of the Hindu god Krishna, mean...

Bal khan (Last name)

surnames > bal-khan

The last name "Bal Khan" is of Mongolian origin. It is derived from the title "Khan," which was used by Mongolian and Turkic rulers. The name "Bal" may refer to a specific clan or ...

Bal saab (Last name)

surnames > bal-saab

The surname "Bal Saab" is of Indian origin and typically indicates a person's association with the Bal community or clan in India. It is possible that the name originated from a ge...

Bal tamang (Last name)

surnames > bal-tamang

The last name "Bal Tamang" has its origin in Nepal. It is a common surname found among the Tamang ethnic group in Nepal. The Tamangs are an indigenous group in Nepal with their own...

Bal varinder (Last name)

surnames > bal-varinder

The last name "Bal Varinder" originates from India. It is a Punjabi surname derived from the Sanskrit word "Bala" meaning strength or power, and "Varinder" which means lord or king...

Bala (Last name)

surnames > bala

The last name "Bala" is common in several cultures, including Indian, Greek, and Hungarian. In India, the name "Bala" is typically of Hindu origin and means "young" or "child." I...

Bala akhil (Last name)

surnames > bala-akhil

The last name "Bala Akhil" likely has origins in India. "Bala" is a common surname in India, derived from the Sanskrit word meaning "child" or "young." "Akhil" is of Sanskrit origi...

Bala krishanan (Last name)

surnames > bala-krishanan

The last name "Bala Krishnan" is of Indian origin. It is derived from the Sanskrit words "bala" meaning "young" or "child" and "Krishnan" meaning "belonging to Krishna," a Hindu de...

Bala krisna (Last name)

surnames > bala-krisna

The last name "Bala Krishna" originates from India. It is a combination of two Sanskrit words, "Bala" meaning strength or power, and "Krishna" which is a common Indian first name t...

Balaa raju (Last name)

surnames > balaa-raju

The last name "Balaa Raju" originates from India. It is a combination of two common Hindu names, "Balaa" and "Raju." "Balaa" means strength or power in Sanskrit, while "Raju" is a ...

Balaam (Last name)

surnames > balaam

The origin of the last name Balaam is Hebrew. It is derived from the name Balaam, which means "destroyer" or "devourer" in Hebrew. Balaam is a figure from the Old Testament who was...

Balaarai (Last name)

surnames > balaarai

The last name "Balaarai" is of Indian origin.

Balaawi (Last name)

surnames > balaawi

The surname "Balaawi" is of Arabic origin. It is derived from the Arabic word "balawi," which means "troublemaker" or "mischief-maker." The surname may have originally been used to...