The Meaning of the Name Balfour
The name Balfour is derived from the Old French words “baille” and “four”, which together mean “lord of the manor”. The name was originally used to refer to a person who held a position of authority over a large estate or manor. It has since become a popular surname in Scotland, England, and other parts of the British Isles.
Origins
The earliest known use of the name Balfour dates back to 12th century Scotland, where it was used as a title for a local lord or landowner. The name was also used by members of the Scottish nobility, including the Earls of Balfour. In addition, there are records of people with the surname Balfour living in England as early as the 13th century.
Variations
The name Balfour has several variations, including Balfore, Balphour, and Balphur. There are also variants such as Ballfoure and Ballfour. In some cases, the spelling may have been altered due to regional dialects or pronunciation.
Popularity
The name Balfour is not particularly common today, but it does appear on lists of popular surnames in Scotland and England. According to data from the United Kingdom’s Office for National Statistics, there were approximately 1,500 people with the surname Balfour living in England and Wales in 2019.
