Ballard Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity

About Ballard

Ballard is a masculine name of English origin functioning primarily as a surname before its adoption as a given name. Derived from the Old English 'bal' (ball) and 'heard' (hard), it historically referred to a bald-headed person. As a first name, Ballard emerged in the United States during the trend of using family surnames as given names. It carries an aristocratic, distinguished quality with connections to notable landmarks like Ballard County, Kentucky, and the Ballard neighborhood in Seattle. While never extremely common, it appeals to parents seeking a name with historical gravitas and a refined sound. Ballard projects strength and stability, with a timeless quality that avoids trendy phonetic patterns.

Ballard for girls

Ballard is traditionally a masculine surname that has occasionally been used as a first name, making its appearance as a feminine name quite unusual. The name derives from Old French 'bailard' meaning 'dance' or from occupational roots referring to a balladeer (a singer of ballads). As a surname, it has English and Scottish origins dating back centuries. While Ballard has some history as a male given name, particularly in the southern United States, its use for girls remains extremely rare. The name carries a distinctive, strong sound with literary and musical associations. For parents seeking a truly uncommon gender-crossover name with historical substance, Ballard offers a bold choice with connections to artistic traditions and a certain dignified resonance.

Pronounced BAL-urd.

As of October 2026, Ballard ranked #10854 in US births in 2025 SSA, peaked at #552 in 1889.