The word "surname" is translated from Latin as "family", but it did not always have the modern meaning of "family" or "genus name". Initially, this was the name given to a group of slaves who belonged to one owner, and only in the Middle Ages did they begin to call people connected by family ties.
This is a name that indicates belonging to a particular family, clan, dynasty. In ancient times, not everyone had surnames; as a rule, nicknames or names of ancestors were used instead. But in the Middle Ages, it became necessary to inherit not only land plots and property holdings, but also social status and family naming.
The centuries-old history of mankind keeps many family names. The history of the origin of each of them is interesting, unique and inimitable. The origin of surnames is connected with the regions of residence of ourancestors, their professions, way of life, traditions, foundations, customs, characteristic features of appearance or character.
This article will discuss the origin, history and origin of the name Balashov. It should run ahead and immediately make a reservation that this generic name was given to the ancestor as not a baptismal one, that is, secondly, it had a nickname base, which after a while became a generic name.
Surname Balashov: meaning, origin and history
The generic name Balashov is one of the old names. Information about it dates back to the 17th century. There are several versions of the origin of the name Balashov.
It is believed that this genus name is derived from the Tatar name Balash, common in ancient times, which is translated from Turkic as "child". This nickname appeared on the territory of the settlement of the Slavs after the Tatar-Mongol invasion. In the middle of the 17th century, according to written sources, Balash Fedka lived near Rostov - a terrible and fierce robber. It is likely that such a nickname was given since childhood to the ancestor who founded the clan, and then became the property of the whole family and stuck with him for centuries.
Versions of origin of generic name
There is a version that the origin of the surname Balashov is connected with a geographical name. In the old days, the Slavs had a tradition of naming we althy families in honor of the name of the ancestral possessions. It was they who first of all had the need to inherit their titles and names, which would indicatebelonging to a noble family. The names of the properties were completely suitable for the name of the entire family. So, the name of the city of Balashov could serve as the basis for the surname. Over time, not only the owner of the name, but also a native of these places could well be called the nickname Balashov.
No less interesting is the version of the origin of the Balashov surname, according to which, this is how a person was called, forming a nickname from the Turkic word "balas", translated as "precious stone". That is, they could have nicknamed the man who was engaged in the extraction of gems.
Northern version of surname formation
In the Pomeranian dialect there is the word "balakshi", which translates as "eyes". It is quite possible that a very vigilant person could be called Balash; over time, this nickname was assigned to the descendants as the name of the entire family. For example, in 1672, Ondryushko Balash, a well-aimed shooter, lived in the Astrakhan lands.
In the Solvychegodsk district, "belashki" was called a small white fish. That is, "belash", could mean "white" and, most likely, the name referred to the features of appearance: hair color, face color, and so on.
The origin of the surname Balashov: meaning and prevalence. Toponymic version
The city of Balashov is located in the Saratov region, the inhabitants of which are called "balashovs". Most likely, people from it in ancient times could get a nickname, which later became a generic name.
Shouldnote that the surname Balashov is not common. In ancient records, namesakes were important people - representatives of this family name are mentioned as coming from the Kyiv bourgeoisie, they had a great royal privilege. Ancient references to the family name can be found in the census conducted in Kievan Rus during the reign of Ivan the Terrible. The Great Sovereign kept a special register of consonant, pleasant to the ear and melodious surnames, which he bestowed on those close to him for special merits. That is why this generic naming has retained its primary meaning and is rare.
