Surname Blakeley - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'B'
Blakeley: What does the surname Blakeley mean?
Blakeley is a surname of Old English origin. It is derived from the place name Blakelaw meaning "black hill", from the two Old English elements "blæc", meaning "black, dark", and "hlaw", meaning "hill, mound, or barrow". In context, it's likely this named location was a dark-colored, or shadowed hill. Originally, it was likely used to identify individuals who lived near or on such a geographical feature. Over time, it evolved into a hereditary surname. There are several variations due to regional differences and changes over the centuries, including Blakely, Blakley, Blackley, and Blacklee. Despite its spelling, it does not imply any connection to the profession of a blacksmith or blade maker. These names (Blakeley and its variations) can be found in English-speaking countries worldwide, with a particular concentration in England and the United States.
Order DNA origin analysisBlakeley: Where does the name Blakeley come from?
The surname Blakeley is of Anglo-Saxon origin, originating in England. It is a locational surname derived from various places named Blakely in England, which signifies 'a clearing in the woods' in Old English. The etymology breaks down into two components - 'blaec', meaning black, and 'leah', signifying a clearing or a meadow, hence referring to 'dark meadow' or 'dark wood'.
Typically, families would adopt a place name as a means of identifying from where they hail, particularly after moving to a new region. Thus, the name Blakeley likely signifies that the bearer's ancestors originated from a place named Blakely.
Today, this surname is most prevalent in the United States, with a large concentration in its southern regions. However, it is also relatively common in England, particularly in its northern counties. Moreover, the name has spread to other English-speaking countries such as Australia, Canada, and New Zealand due to migration.
Variations of the surname Blakeley
The surname Blakeley has different variations and is believed to be of English origin. It derives from the Old English words "blac," meaning "bleak, pale, or bright," and "leah," meaning "woodland clearing or meadow." The name Blakeley might have originally referred to a person occupying a pale clearing or a clearing that was bright and shining.
The alternate spelling and variations of Blakeley include Blakelee, Blakely, Blakley, Blackley, Blacklee, Blakleigh, Blackleigh, Blacley, and Blaclee.
Its surname of the same origin is Blee. The 'Blake' prefix is often found in other surnames like Blakesley, Blake, Blaker, Blackley, Blakey, and Blakeman.
Please note that spellings of surnames could have changed throughout centuries due to factors like emigration, local dialects and illiteracy in medieval society. Thus, it is not uncommon to see historical documents with a person's name spelled differently.
It is throughout the British Isles that Blakeley and its alternative spellings are still largely concentrated today, with a particular prevalence in Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Lincolnshire within England.
Famous people with the name Blakeley
- Mario Blakeley: He is a Panamanian former footballer who played as a defender during the 1970s and 1980s.
- Seth Blakeley: An American Olympic athlete.
- Monica Blakeley: A lesser-known actress who worked in both film and TV series.
- Barbara Blakeley: Better known as Barbara Marx Sinatra, she was a model and showgirl who later became the fourth and final wife of Frank Sinatra.
- Travis Blakeley: An Australian actor known for his work on short films.
- Chris Blakeley: A British politician and member of the Conservative Party.
- Sarah Blakely: An American businesswoman, founder of Spanx, an intimate apparel company.
- Ty Blakely: A professional baseball player. Please note that spelling variations may exist (e.g., Blakely vs Blakeley), and many famous people may not use their full names publicly.