Balsam

The surname Balsam is of English origin and dates back to the 13th century. It is believed to have derived from the Old English words 'balsam' or 'balsame,' which referred to the aromatic resin or gum obtained from certain trees. This suggests that the earliest bearers of this name may have been associated with the trade or production of balsam.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the Balsam surname can be found in the Hundred Rolls of Norfolk, dated 1273. In this historical record, a person named Robert Balsam is mentioned, indicating that the name was already in use during that time period in the county of Norfolk, England.

The surname Balsam may also have originated as a locational name, referring to a place where balsam trees grew in abundance or where the balsam trade was prominent. However, there is no definitive evidence of a specific place name from which the surname directly derived.

In the 14th century, the surname appears in various spellings, such as Balsham and Balsame, reflecting the variations in pronunciation and spelling that were common during that era. One notable individual from this period was John Balsham, who was born in the village of Balsham, Cambridgeshire, around 1330.

During the 16th century, the Balsam surname continued to be found in various records across England. One notable bearer of the name was Thomas Balsam, a merchant from London who was born in 1534 and played a role in the expansion of trade with the Low Countries.

In the 17th century, the surname Balsam appeared in the records of the New World, as some individuals bearing this name emigrated to the American colonies. One such individual was William Balsam, who was born in England in 1620 and later settled in Virginia.

Another notable bearer of the Balsam surname was Sir Charles Balsam (1683-1756), an English landowner and member of Parliament who served as the High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire.

Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, the Balsam surname continued to be found across various regions of England, as well as in the United States and other parts of the world where English settlers had established communities.

In summary, the surname Balsam has a rich history, originating in England and potentially deriving from the Old English words related to the aromatic balsam resin or from a locational name associated with the balsam trade or the growth of balsam trees. While its origins can be traced back to the 13th century, the surname has been carried by individuals from various walks of life and has spread across different regions over the centuries.