Last Name Baldes

The surname Baldes has Germanic origins. It is derived from various given names that were common among Germanic tribes during the Middle Ages, such as Baldwin, Balthasar, and Baldur. These names originally meant "brave ruler," "foreboding," or "bold ruler" in Old High German. Over time, these names evolved into the surname Baldes, Balduz, or Baldus, which were often passed down from father to son. The name eventually spread across Europe and is now found in many countries. However, it's important to note that the specific origins of a particular instance of the name Baldes may vary depending on the individual family history.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Baldes

The meaning and origin of the last name Baldes

The surname Baldes is a variant of the Germanic name "Bald," which originated from Old High German "balt" meaning "bold" or "brave." Over time, the name evolved into various forms such as Baldus, Balde, and Baldes. It was originally a personal name and later became a hereditary surname. The spread of the name Baldes can be traced back to regions where Germanic influence was strong, particularly in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. It's also found among descendants of German immigrants in other countries, such as the United States and Canada. The spelling variations of this surname reflect changes in pronunciation and transliteration over centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Baldes

The Baldes surname has its origins in Germany and is predominantly found in regions such as Bavaria, Hesse, and North Rhine-Westphalia. It is also present in Austria, particularly in Vienna and Lower Austria. In addition to these European countries, the Baldes name can be found among German-speaking communities in South America, notably in Argentina and Brazil, as a result of historical migration patterns. The surname is less prevalent but still present in other parts of the world where Germans have settled, such as North America, Australia, and New Zealand, due to diaspora during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Baldes

The surname Baldes has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in regional pronunciation and transcription over time. Some common variations include Baldez, Baldés, Bales, Balas, Balles, and Baules. These variations may also appear with diacritics or without them, depending on the region where the name originated. For instance, in Spanish-speaking regions, it is often spelled as Baldés with an accent over the 'e', while in English-speaking regions, it might be found without the accent. In some cases, regional dialects may lead to additional variations such as Ballace or Balase. It's important to note that these variations may have different distributions based on geography and historical factors.

Famous people with the last name Baldes

Notable individuals with the surname Baldes include:

1. James Baldes (born 1968), an American professional football player who played as a fullback for six seasons in the National Football League (NFL).

2. Christina Baldes (born 1973), a German politician who served as a member of the Bundestag from 2013 to 2017, representing the Social Democratic Party (SPD).

3. Peter Baldes (born 1958), a German politician and mayor of the city of Krefeld, North Rhine-Westphalia since 2014. He previously served as a member of the Bundestag from 2005 to 2017, representing the SPD.

4. Adolf Baldes (1911–1986), an American football player who played in the National Football League for the Chicago Cardinals from 1938 to 1941. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1975.

These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields such as sports, politics, and public service.

Genealogical research on the last name Baldes

The Baldes surname is of Germanic origin, derived from various given names such as Baldwin, Balduin, or Balthasar, which were popular among the medieval Germans. The name's earliest recorded occurrence can be traced back to the Middle Ages, specifically in regions like Saxony and Bavaria.

Over time, the Baldes family migrated across Europe due to various historical events, including the Holy Roman Empire's territorial disputes and religious conflicts. Some branches of the family settled in Switzerland during the 16th century, while others moved westward, reaching France and Belgium in the following centuries.

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, many Baldes immigrants journeyed to North America, particularly to the United States and Canada, seeking better opportunities. Notable Baldes descendants include artists, scientists, and politicians. As a result, Baldes can now be found worldwide, with significant populations in Europe, North America, and Australia.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Baldes"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

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 : 28 July 2025

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