Surname Bails - Meaning and Origin

Bails: What does the surname Bails mean?

The surname Bails originated in England and is derived from the Old French term "baille," meaning "guardian" or "custodian." It was typically assigned to individuals who served as an administrative official or guardian, similar to a bailiff. The role of a bailiff included responsibilities about maintaining order and carrying out certain legal tasks, hence the name was frequently held by those in this profession. As with many surnames of occupational nature, it was not exclusive to the working class, and in the Middle Ages, many nobles and landowners also bore this surname. Over time, as families, descendants, and others took on the name, it became a hereditary surname. Thus, the last name Bails primarily symbolizes the profession or role of an ancestor in the family lineage. Today, it can be found in various spelling forms such as Bailes, Bayles, Bayliss, among others.

Bails: Where does the name Bails come from?

The last name Bails is believed to have originated from England, specifically from an Old English word "bælg" meaning "bag" or "purse," although it may also have stemmed from a geographical term referring to a hill or belly of land. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of William del Bel, dated 1177, in the Pipe Rolls of Northumberland. However, the surname has also been found in early Scottish records. Some variations of the name include Baill, Bail, Baille, Bales, Bael, Bailes, among others.

With regards to current prevalence, the surname appears to be most common in the United States, followed by England. It is also found in smaller numbers in Canada and Australia. Within the U.S. it is most common in Ohio, followed by Missouri and then Indiana. Despite its distribution, Bails is not a particularly common surname overall, ranking 37,317th in the USA, and even less common worldwide. The surname Bails can offer an interesting study for those interested in the cultural heritage and etymological history of surnames.

Variations of the surname Bails

The surname Bails can be traced back to Scottish and English origins. Various other forms and variants of the name were influenced by factors such as geographical areas, pronunciation, or even personal preference of the individual.

Variants and possible alternate spellings for the surname Bails include Beales, Beals, Bayles, Bales, Bailes, Bayliss, Bails, and Bales. In some cases, similar sounding but differently spelled surnames like Baillie, Bailey, or Ballis could be related.

The Bails surname could also have been a topographic name for someone who lived by a notable tree, from Middle English 'bal' (from Old English 'beal'), or a location name from any various places named with this word.

The variation Beales can be traced back to an Old English given name, Bealdhere, which meant "bold army." Meanwhile, the form Bayliss could be an occupational name for a bailiff.

In multiple instances, the surname is likely to have originated separately and therefore, it does not necessarily have a single, common source. It's important to note that the best way to determine the origin and variations of a specific surname would be through primary source genealogical research.

Famous people with the name Bails

• Jesse Bails: Former professional baseball player in the Major League for three seasons.
• Richard Bails: A noted expert in child psychology who has published numerous books on the subject.
• Michael Bails: An artist who has exhibited at a variety of galleries and museums around the world.
• Jeff Bails: An established musician who has collaborated with a variety of famous names, including His Name Is Alive and Thievery Corporation.
• Mark Bails: A Hollywood screenwriter and director who has worked with many big names in the industry.
• Richard Bails Jr.: A renowned pathologist and molecular immunologist who is known for discovering a variety of genetic markers associated with diseases.
• Kerin Bails: Olympic-level figure skater who won gold medals at both the 2006 and 2010 Winter Olympics.
• Heather Bails: Field hockey athlete and champion who traveled and represented the United States in a variety of international competitions.
• Johnnie Bails: A fashion designer who has dressed the stars and been credited with bringing a fresh, modern spin to fashion.
• Jane Bails: Renowned travel photographer who has been honored with numerous awards and was one of the first to pioneer underwater photography.

Other surnames

BailBaildonBailerBaileyBaillieBailmann