Bailly

Bailly is a French surname and toponym. As a place name it designates several communes in France, and as a surname it has been borne by many individuals in French-speaking regions. The name is of French origin and is commonly linked to the medieval office of bailli, or bailiff, either directly or through historical place names associated with such an official.

Etymology and usage: The form Bailly likely derives from the Old French bailli, meaning a local official or administrator, and/or from places that were managed by a bailli. Over time it became established as a hereditary surname and, separately, as a toponym in various parts of France.

Geography: The best-known usages as a toponym include Bailly, a commune in the Yvelines department in the Île-de-France region, and Bailly-Romainvilliers, a commune in the Seine-et-Marne department. The name also appears in other French localities, sometimes as part of compound place names. As a surname, Bailly is widespread in France and in other Francophone areas, attached to individuals across fields such as science, literature, sports, and public life.

Notable individuals: Bailly is a common French surname and has been carried by numerous people throughout history and in contemporary times. Because of its frequency, the name appears in various biographical contexts, reflecting regional distribution and cultural history.

See also: Bailly may be found in broader discussions of French toponymy and genealogy, and in lists of people bearing the surname Bailly.