Find out how popular the last name Baillif is in the United States and learn more about the meaning, history, and race and ethnic origin of people in America who are named Baillif.

Baillif, like all of the last names we have data for, is identified by the U.S. Census Bureau as a surname which has more than 100 occurrences in the United States in the Decennial Census survey. The most recent statistics we have for the Baillif surname is from the 2000 census data.

Popularity of Baillif in America

Baillif is the 148244th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Baillif surname appeared 102 times in the 2000 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname Baillif.

The history of the last name Baillif

The surname Baillif is of French origin, appearing prominently during the late medieval period. It is derived from the Old French term baillif, which itself comes from the Latin term baiulivus, meaning 'administrator' or 'overseer'. This indicates that the surname likely began as an occupational name, denoting someone who served as a bailiff, a position of local authority in medieval France responsible for maintaining order and administering justice.

Geographically, the Baillif surname is closely associated with regions like Normandy and Brittany, where local governance roles such as the bailiff were significant during the Middle Ages. The Norman Conquest of England in 1066 further spread the term and occupational role to the British Isles, though the surname remains predominantly French.

Historical records of the Baillif surname date back to the 12th century. One of the earliest mentions is found in a charter from 1198 referring to a Guillaume Baillif in Normandy. This document showcases the administrative importance given to people holding this surname during that period. Medieval manuscripts and charters from various provincial archives further solidify the presence of the Baillif surname in local governance.

An early example includes Jean Baillif, a notable figure born around 1300, who served as a court official in Brittany. Another significant individual is Philippe Baillif, recorded in Parisian registers in the early 1400s, who engaged in municipal administration. Documentation shows the family name continuing through centuries, indicating its persistence and adaptation over time.

In the 16th century, Pierre Baillif, born in 1520, earned recognition for his role as a bailiff in the town of Rouen. He is often cited in local historical texts due to his administrative contributions. Similarly, the surname appears in religious contexts, such as with François Baillif, who became a prominent cleric and scholar in the early 1600s.

The 17th and 18th centuries saw the surname Baillif appear in various documents, such as notarial records and parish registers, reflecting its continued presence. Notable figures included Jacques Baillif, born in 1655, who was recorded as an officer in the French royal court, and Marie Baillif, an educator and philanthropist in early 18th-century Lyon.

The surname also appears in other European contexts due to the administrative nature of the term baillif. However, its strongest and most consistent historical roots remain in French regions, tied to the social and governmental structures of medieval and early modern France.

Throughout history, the etymology of Baillif has remained tied to its original meaning related to oversight and authority. This rich history is reflected in the number of historical records and notable individuals who have carried the name over the centuries, illustrating its enduring legacy in French socio-political spheres.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Baillif

We also have some data on the ancestry of people with the surname Baillif.

The below race categories are the modified race categories used in the Census Bureau's population estimates program. All people were categorized into six mutually exclusive racial and Hispanic origin groups:

1. White only
2. Black only
3. American Indian and Alaskan Native only
4. Asian and Pacific Islander only
5. Hispanic
6. Two or More Races

For the most recent 2000 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Baillif was:

Note: Any fields showing (S) means the data was suppressed for privacy so that the data does not in any way identify any specific individuals.

Data source

The last name data and ethnic breakdown of last names is sourced directly from the Decennial Census survey, conducted every 10 years by the United States Census Bureau.

The history and meaning of the name Baillif was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Baillif, please contact us.

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