Last Name Baldrige

Learn more about the origin of the last name Baldrige

The meaning and origin of the last name Baldrige

The surname Baldrige is of English origin, derived from the Old English personal name "Bealdric". The name is composed of the elements "beald", meaning bold or brave, and "ric", which means ruler. The surname Baldrige likely originated as a nickname for someone who was a bold leader or ruler. Over time, the name would have been passed down from generation to generation, eventually becoming a hereditary surname. Today, individuals with the surname Baldrige can trace their ancestry back to English origins and may have connections to individuals who exhibited qualities of bravery and leadership in their communities.

Geographical distribution of the last name Baldrige

The last name Baldrige is of English origin and is primarily found in the United States. There is a significant concentration of individuals with the surname Baldrige in states such as Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. Additionally, some occurrences of the name can be found in Illinois, Texas, and California. Outside of the US, the Baldrige name is less common, with small clusters of individuals in countries such as England, Germany, and Canada. The geographical distribution of the Baldrige surname indicates that it is most prevalent in the United States, particularly along the East Coast and in the Midwest regions.

Variants and spellings of the last name Baldrige

The last name "Baldrige" can be spelled and pronounced in various ways, including "Baldridge," "Balridge," "Baldreyge," or "Baldrige." The name may also have variations in different regions or countries, such as "Baldrich" in Spain or "Baldrig" in Sweden. Some individuals may choose to add accents or special characters to signify the correct pronunciation of the name, such as "Báldrigé" or "Bâldrïgè." Despite the different spellings and variations, the surname "Baldrige" typically originates from Old Norse roots, meaning "bold protector" or "brave ruler." The name may have been anglicized over time, leading to the variations found today.

Famous people with the last name Baldrige

Let me begin by mentioning Letitia Baldrige, a well-known author, etiquette expert, and former social secretary to First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy. Another notable individual with the last name Baldrige is Malcolm Baldrige Jr., who served as the United States Secretary of Commerce under President Ronald Reagan. Malcolm Baldrige Jr. was known for his contributions to improving productivity and quality in American industry. These two individuals have left a lasting impact in their respective fields and are recognized for their achievements and contributions to society.

Genealogical research on the last name Baldrige

The surname Baldrige is of English origin, derived from the Old English personal name "Baldhere," meaning "bold army." The earliest recorded spelling of the family name is found in 1341 in the Subsidy Rolls of Sussex, England. The Baldrige family has a long history in England, with records showing them residing in various counties such as Essex, Lincolnshire, and Yorkshire. Over the centuries, some members of the Baldrige family migrated to the United States, with notable mentions of individuals settling in Pennsylvania and Virginia. Today, the Baldrige surname can still be found in both England and the United States, with descendants continuing to trace their roots and history through genealogical research and documentation.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Baldrige"
• 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 : 11 April 2025