Allard Family History

English: from a Middle English personal name Alard Adelard Aylard or Elard. The former two names are usually of native English origin from Old English Æthelheard composed of the elements æthel ‘noble’ + heard ‘hard bold’. Alternatively the surname may be of continental origin from an ancient Germanic name (see 2 below) which developed in Old French to Alard and in Middle Dutch to Adelaert and Alaert.

The continental names were used in post-Conquest England by Normans and Flemings. Later development of -ard to -ett and -att in surnames means that these personal names may also lie behind some examples of e.g. Allatt and Hallett.

French: from the medieval personal name Alard from ancient Germanic Adelhard composed of the elements adal ‘noble’ + hard ‘hardy’. Compare Allar Allor Allord and Allore.