The village was first mentioned in 1473 as "jn balnera lees: balmera buren", and means "settlement of Balle (person)".

[3] Ballum is an esdorp with a triangular village square which developed in the Late Middle Ages.

[4] In the early 15th century, the castle Jelmera State was built in Ballum which later became known as Camminghaslot after the Cammingha family became owners of the island.

In 1795, the island was confiscated, and the castle became the residence of the grietman of Ameland.

[5] Media related to Ballum, Ameland at Wikimedia Commons