Surname Blackerby - Meaning and Origin

Blackerby: What does the surname Blackerby mean?

The surname Blackerby is of English origin. It is believed to have derived from a place in England likely named Blackerby, although no such location is currently known. The name could mean "dark fortification" or "dark settlement," from the Old English words "blaec," which means "black or dark," and "byrig," an ancient term for a fortified place or settlement. It's a common practice for surnames to be tied to geographical locations. Often, these names were given based on the location someone lived in or originated from. So, the Blackerby family likely had roots in a place that was known for a darkly colored or shadowed fortification or settlement. Like many surnames, variations exist, such as Blackaby, Blackerbie, or Blakerby. Over time, surnames change due to factors like regional dialects and illiteracy in earlier times.

Blackerby: Where does the name Blackerby come from?

Blackerby is an English surname with its roots in Old English. The name originated from the village of Blackerby in Lincolnshire, England. The village’s name itself was derived from an Old English personal name, Blaecan, combined with "burh," which means fortress. The name essentially meant "Blacan's fort." As a surname, it has taken on different variations over centuries, including Blackerby, Blackaby, and Blackberry.

Early records show the name in Lincolnshire and Yorkshire in England. The first recorded spelling of the family name dates back to 1273 for a Walter de Blacarby in the Hundred Rolls of Lincolnshire.

As of today, the Blackerby surname and its variations are found scattered in different parts of the world primarily due to migration and influence of the English language and culture. However, it is not a common name and is sparingly seen. It is prevalent in the United States, specifically in Southern states. Within the US, the states of Texas, Kentucky, and Alabama have higher instances of the surname. Regarding the United Kingdom, it still appears in Lincolnshire.

Variations of the surname Blackerby

The surname Blackerby is of English origin and primarily found in the United Kingdom and the United States. It seems to stem from a combination of the English words "black" and "by", which could refer to someone who lived by a black land or dark/forested area.

There can be different variations and spellings of the name, mainly due to regional dialects and spelling inconsistencies in early documentations. Some variations of the surname Blackerby may include: Blackerbee, Blackerbie, Blackerbae, Blackerbey, Blackerbei, and Blackerbye.

Additionally, the surname could have evolved or been anglicized over time, and could have ties to other names with the 'black' or 'by' root. Black, Blackburn, Blackburne, Blackhurst, and Bywater are some examples of such surnames.

It's also worth noting that the 'by' ending is a common feature in Viking or Norse origin names (referring to farm or settlement), so the surname could potentially have ties to names of such origins. However, concrete genealogical research is needed to ascertain these connections.

As always, individual family histories and migrations can affect the spelling and variations of a surname.

Famous people with the name Blackerby

• John Blackerby: an American music producer, engineer, and mixer who is best known for his work with Simple Minds, Heart, Santana, Rondo Veneziano, C Perdue, and The Doobie Brothers.
• William Blackerby: a former professional baseball player who played for the Milwaukee Brewers.
• Josh Blackerby: an Australian football player who currently plays for the AFL team Collingwood Magpies.
• Russell Blackerby: an American football coach who is currently the head coach of the Wyoming Cowboys.
• Ken Blackerby: a former professional golfer who competed on the Champions Tour and had several top ten finishes.
• Joe Blackerby: an American actor known for his roles in the movies “The Talented Mr. Ripley" and “Falling Down".
• Larry Blackerby: an American politician who served in the Virginia state legislature from 1970 to 1972.
• Amy Blackerby: an American writer who is best known for her award-winning children's books, including “No One Here But Us Ducks" and “The Best Present Ever".
• Jeffrey Blackerby: an American director and editor who is best known for his work on the MTV series “Teen Wolf" and FX series “The Strain".
• Bruce Blackerby: an American jazz musician who is known for his work with the Art Blakey Big Band, the Smoke Jazz Club, and the Clifford Brown Institute.

Other surnames

Blacker