Save Type Surname (from nickname & from location) Usage English Pronounced Pron. BAWL [key·IPA] Meaning & History From Middle English bal, Old English beall meaning "ball". This was either a nickname for a rotund or bald person, or a topographic name for someone who lived near a ball-shaped feature. Categories alpinists, body parts, comedians, Goo Goo Dolls songs, hair, NBA players, nicknames, sizes, word names