This is a European and Ashkenasic surname of at least two possible origins. It may derive from the ancient Polish name 'Bialas', which was an ethnic name for a Viking, or at least a stranger with fair hair. The origination is from the pre 7th century a.d. 'bial' meaning white and '-as', the male suffix. The second possible origin is from the German word 'bil' meaning 'sword' and as such this may be a metonymic for a maker of swords, or a swordsman, or as an early personal name of the Dark Ages. In this period of history which is approximately the end of the Roman Empire in the 5th century through to the Emperor Charlemagne in the 9th century, virtual chaos and anarchy prevailed in much of Europe. As a counterbalance people adopted 'names', there were no surnames as such, which extolled the virtues of wise and strong government, religious belief, and victory. A name like 'Sword' fitted nicely into these categories. Both Bialas and Bill have many variant spelling forms which overlap including Bilard, Bilharz, Billau, Bily, Bilan, Bialek, Bilalov etc. Examples of the surname include:Jons Bilovski of Mehkehinen, Ost Presussen, Germany, and Andreas Bialas of Opole, Opolshiego, Poland, on September 19th 1795.

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