Surname Blake - Meaning and Origin
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Unraveling Ancestral Layers through iGENEA: My Emotional Odyssey as a Blake
Bracing through the intense anticipatory period upon taking the iGENEA DNA test, I was led on a sentimental sojourn where ‘Blake’ suddenly became more than just a family name. The emotional roller coaster experienced upon discovering dynamic lineage, distant relatives, and ancestral resilience made me an ardent bearer of my surname.
U. Blake
read moreBlake: What does the surname Blake mean?
The surname Blake has roots in Old English, believed to come from both "blac", meaning "black", "dark", "swarthy", or "pale", "fair", "bright", "shining", and "blac", a nickname for someone with dark or pale skin or hair. The exact meaning of the name is a subject of debate due to its seemingly opposing connotations. Some theorists propose that one precursor of "Blake" could have pertained to a person with dark hair or skin, while the other could have been used for someone with bright hair or a bright or cheerful personality. Therefore, this surname may have evolved to denote individuals with vastly different appearances or dispositions. Its first recorded usage as a surname was found in the 12th century in Yorkshire, England. The name has other variations like Black, Blakeman, Blackman, and Blayke.
Order DNA origin analysisBlake: Where does the name Blake come from?
The surname Blake is of English origin and dates back to the early Middle Ages. It was originally a nickname for someone with either dark hair or skin, or the opposite - pale hair or skin, derived from the Old English words "blac" meaning "black" or "black-haired," or "blaac" meaning "pale or white." The discrepancy is due to shifts in the utilization and pronunciation of the words in different periods and regions. Quite a few characters throughout history have carried the last name Blake, such as the famous English poet William Blake. Today, the surname is most common in the United States, with a particularly high prevalence in states like Vermont and Maine. It is also fairly common in England, especially in the northern region of the country. Other places where the surname can often be found include Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Variations of the surname Blake
The surname "Blake" originates from England, and it is believed to be derived from the nickname for someone with dark or pale hair or skin, from the Old English "blac" (meaning black) or "blac" (meaning white or shining). It has a number of variants and alternate spellings which are mostly used in English-speaking countries. These variations include Blakes, Blayke, Blaike, Bleak, Blaque, and Black.
In some cases, people with this surname may have their roots in Irish background, where the surname can be an anglicized form of 'Ó Bláthmhaic', a Gaelic name meaning 'descendant of the flower son'; this Irish version was often rewritten in English as 'Bligh' or even 'Blowick'.
The surname Blake might also have a variation in the form of a patronymic surname, meaning a surname inherited from the father's line, which would make "Blakeson" or "Blakeley" possible variants. As for surnames with the same root or similar origin, the names Black, Blanc, and Baylor could be considered.
Famous people with the name Blake
- William Blake: English poet and painter notably known for his creations in the Romantic Age.
- James Blake: An English singer, songwriter, and record producer known for his electronic music.
- Eubie Blake: An American composer and pianist, one of the pioneers of Broadway and Ragtime music.
- Robert Blake: American actor best known for his Emmy-winning role in the television series "Baretta."
- Blake Lively: An American actress known for her role in the TV series "Gossip Girl."
- Peter Blake: Renowned British pop artist known for co-creating the cover design for The Beatles' album "Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band."
- Geoffrey Blake: an American actor who has appeared in various movies and series like "Forrest Gump" and "Iron Man."
- Quentin Blake: An English cartoonist and illustrator. He's known for illustrating Roald Dahl’s books.
- Larry Blake: A well-known American actor in the mid-20th century.
- Ran Blake: Influence Jazz pianist and composer.
- Eli Blake: Political activist known for his anti-slavery activities in the middle of the 19th century.
- Amanda Blake: American actress best remembered for the role of the saloon-owner Miss Kitty on the long-running television series "Gunsmoke."
- Whitney Blake: American actress most known for her role in the sitcom "Hazel."
- Humphrey Blake: English parliamentarian during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I.