Surname Blackett - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'B'
Blackett: What does the surname Blackett mean?
The surname Blackett is of Old English origin and is believed to be a locational or occupational name. It could have two possible meanings based on its two components, "black" and "ett". Black is derived from the Old English ‘blaec’ or the Old High German ‘blah’ which both mean 'black', often used as a nickname for someone with dark hair or complexion. The second part, "ett" could be from the Old English ‘heafod’, which means 'head'. Thus, the name may refer to someone who has a black head or dark hair.
Another interpretation could be that it originates from a place name. For example, there was a place called Blackhead in County Durham, England. Thus, someone living in or near this location may have taken on the name Blackett. In medieval times, surnames often denoted a person’s occupation, or were derived from their location.
However, like many surnames, the exact origin and meaning of Blackett may not be definitively known, as names were adapted and changed throughout history for various reasons including regional dialects and literacy rates.
Order DNA origin analysisBlackett: Where does the name Blackett come from?
The surname Blackett is of English origin, deriving from the Old English "Blæec" meaning "black" and the diminutive suffix "et," suggesting "little black" or "dark." The name would have been initially used as a nickname, likely referring to the complexion or hair color of its original bearer. The first recorded spelling of the family name (Blaket), dating back to the late 12th century, is found in the Pipe Rolls of Yorkshire. The name has different variations including Blackett, Blackitt, Blackhead, Blakehead, and Blakey.
In terms of its current prevalence, many Blacketts still reside in the United Kingdom, where the name originated. Apart from the UK, other countries with a significant presence of Blacketts include the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Over the century, many Blacketts emigrated from England to these countries. The Blackett name is particularly associated with the mining and shipping industries in Northeastern England, largely thanks to prominent figures such as Sir William Blackett and Admiral Sir Henry Blackett who made significant contributions in these fields.
Variations of the surname Blackett
The surname Blackett has several variations and spellings over the centuries and across various regions. Some of the known variations include Blacket, Blackitt, Blaket, Blackat, Blackatt, Blackhead, and Blackburn. In certain regions particularly in England where it is mostly found, it may also be spelled as Blakeet or Blaiket.
The origins of the surname Blackett can be traced back to the Old English words “blaec” and “heafod,” which together mean "black head." It was frequently used as a nickname in middle age England for someone with dark hair or complexion.
The surname Blackett, like many other English surnames, has also been modified and adapted in other countries. In French, the name might be spelled as "Blacket" or "Blacquet," in Spanish as "Blacquett" or "Blacqued," while in German it could become "Blacketten."
As for related surnames, since Blackett originally comes from a nickname, there are many other surnames with similar origins related to color or personal characteristics, such as Black, Blackman, Blackmore, Blake, Blackburn, Blackwood, and Blackwell. Others include the surnames Whitehead or Redhead, as these also refer to physical characteristics.
Famous people with the name Blackett
- Patrick Blackett: British experimental physicist and Nobel Laureate.
- Emilia Blackett: British actress, known for her role in the movie "The Italian Job".
- John Blackett: 19th-century British civil engineer.
- Albert Blackett: Australian cricketer.
- Edward Blackett: British marine biologist.
- Charles Blackett: British politician during the 19th century.
- Harold Blackett: British rugby union player.
- Emma Blackett: New Zealand artist and designer.
- Brian Blackett: British advertising executive.
- Mike Blackett: British photographer.
- William Blackett: British businessman and a forensic auditor.
- Carl Blackett: Former Major League Baseball pitcher.
- Hannah Blackett: British contemporary artist.
- Julian Blackett: British Army officer.
- Richard Blackett: Historian and professor at Vanderbilt University.
- Paddy Blackett: British naval officer and WWII veteran. Please note that while some of these individuals are famous within their respective fields, not all of them may be widely recognized by the general public.