Surname Black - Meaning and Origin

Rediscovering Personal Identity through iGENEA DNA Testing: A Journey Through the Surname 'Black'

The iGENEA DNA test transformed my perception of my surname 'Black', leading me to a richer understanding of my personal identity and heritage rooted in history.

E. Black

Black: What does the surname Black mean?

The last name "Black" is of English and Scottish origin and is primarily a nickname for someone with dark or black hair or who had a dark complexion. This physical description acted as a visual identifier in an era where personal names were being converted into family names. The surname "Black" derives from the Old English word "blæc" or the Old High German term "blach," both of which mean "black." However, in some cases, the last name also served as an occupational surname, referring to those who worked as blacksmiths. In Scotland too, the name could be derived from the Gaelic "MacGillebhàit," which translates as "son of the servant of St. Blane." Despite its many origins and uses, the name typically was a descriptor of a specific attribute or career during the period when surnames first started being used.

Black: Where does the name Black come from?

The surname Black originates from Scotland and England, derived from the Old English word "blæc", meaning "black" or "dark". It was often given as a nickname to individuals with dark complexions or hair. It could also be an occupational name for a blacksmith, derived from the Old English "blæcere."

In regards to its prevalence today, Black is a relatively common surname. In the United States, it ranks 177th most common to date, according to the U.S Census Bureau, making it popular amongst individuals of Scottish, English, and even Irish heritage due to historical immigration patterns.

In the UK, according to a stud by University College London, this surname is most densely populated in the North of England and in Scotland, which aligns with its Scottish and English origins.

Additionally, the name Black has also made its way to Australia and New Zealand with British colonizers, and it is rather common there as well.

Please remember that surname distribution can change over the years due to various factors, such as migration and changes in international boundaries.

Variations of the surname Black

The surname Black typically traces its origins back to Scotland and England. Variants and alternate spellings of the name include Blacke, Blac, Blak, Blaque, and Blake. Other forms can be location-based such as Blackburn, Blackman, or Blackwood. The name might also have been translated into other languages, resulting in variants like Schwarz (German), Noir (French), or Nero (Italian).

Another way the name Black might have evolved is through occupational or descriptive purposes. The name Black could have been given to someone who had a dark complexion, worked with black dye, or wore black clothing. This could result in variations such as Blacksmith or Blaikie, from the Scots term "blaik" meaning pale.

The spelling of the name could have also changed over time with variations observed in old documents due to phonetic transcriptions, the literacy level of the individual scribe or the person providing the name. It is important to note that similar names from different geographical areas may have separate, unique origins. Therefore, not all people with the surname Black or its variants will share the same ancestry.

Famous people with the name Black

• Jack Black: An American actor, comedian, and musician known for his roles in "School of Rock" and "Kung Fu Panda".
• Karen Black: An American actress, screenwriter, singer, and songwriter, notable for her roles in various films, including "Five Easy Pieces".
• Lewis Black: An American stand-up comedian, author, playwright, and actor, known for his angry face and simulated mental breakdowns.
• Honky Tonk Man (Roy Wayne Farris): Also known as Roy Black, he is an American retired professional wrestler.
• Clint Black: An American country music singer, songwriter, and record producer.
• Sirius Black: A fictional character in J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter series.
• Rebecca Black: An American YouTuber and singer who gained extensive media coverage when her song "Friday" went viral on YouTube and other social media in 2011.
• Shane Black: An American filmmaker and actor known for writing the action films Lethal Weapon and Lethal Weapon 2.
• Cilla Black: A British singer, television presenter, actress, and author.
• Conrad Black: A Canadian-born British former newspaper publisher and writer. His controversial career has involved multiple lawsuits and convictions for fraud.
• Amanda Black: South African singer-songwriter and actress.
• Black M (Alpha Diallo): Famous French rapper.

Other surnames

BlacaghBlacairBlacareBlachBlachaBlachutBlack SeaBlackabyBlackadarBlackadderBlackaderBlackallBlackbeardblackburnBlackburneBlackeBlackebyBlackelyBlackerBlackerbyBlacketerBlackettBlackhallBlackhamBlackieBlackistonBlackiterBlackketterBlackleachBlackledge