Surname Blackmore - Meaning and Origin

Blackmore: What does the surname Blackmore mean?

Blackmore is an English surname derived from Old English words "blaec" and "mor", which translate to "black" and "moor" respectively. Thus, it primarily refers to someone who lived near or on a black moor, a type of marshy or boggy land covered in dark peat. The name dates back to medieval times and is considered locational, which generally refers to names associated with places. The Blackmore surname is particularly prevalent in southwestern England, areas such as Devon and Somerset. These areas were covered in dark wetlands, hence, the locals were often named after these landscapes. Over time, the surname has evolved with varying spellings like Blackmore, Blakemore, Blackmoor and others. Just like many other surnames, it was carried to different parts of the world due to migration, especially during the colonial era. Regardless of its geographical prevalence today, the meaning of the name Blackmore remains firmly rooted in the dark, marshy lands of medieval England.

Blackmore: Where does the name Blackmore come from?

The surname Blackmore is of Anglo-Saxon origin, predominantly present in England. It's believed to be a locational surname derived from various places in England like Blackmore in Essex, Bickmore in Kent, or Blakemore in Staffordshire.

The term is derived from Old English words "blaec", meaning black, and "mor", meaning moor(land), signifying individuals who lived near a dark marshy ground or moor.

Today, the surname is widely dispersed around the world mainly due to migration, colonization, and the British Empire's influence. It is most common in the United Kingdom, followed by Australia, the United States, Canada, and New Zealand.

A study based on electoral roll showed it's particularly common in regions around the south-west of England, including places like Devon, Dorset, and Somerset. It is worth noting that the surname variant Blackmoor is also existent. Famous people with the surname include Ritchie Blackmore, an English guitarist and songwriter, and Richard Doddridge Blackmore, an English novelist.

Variations of the surname Blackmore

Blackmore is a surname of Anglo-Saxon origin and it is said to be a geographical surname referring to a black moor or a dark swamp. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to have been that of Richard de Blacmora dated 1175 in the "Pipe Rolls of Sussex".

Over the years, there have been multiple spellings due to regional and dialect influences. Some of the variants and spellings include Blackmoor, Blackamore, Blackmor, Blacmoor, Bloxmore, Blakemore, and Blacmore. The surname has many more, less common variations that include Blackmoore, and Blackmer.

Several of these spellings have become surnames on their own, given the popularity of the root name Blackmore. These surnames are not necessarily derived from the Blackmore surname but are similar and may be incorrectly identified as variants. This includes surnames such as Blake, Morley, Black, and Moor.

The surname Blackmore is widespread across the English-speaking world including the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. It’s worth noting that the interpretation of handwriting on historical documents can also account for variations in the spelling of this surname.

Famous people with the name Blackmore

• Ritchie Blackmore: An English guitarist and songwriter, best known as one of the founding members of the rock bands Deep Purple and Rainbow.
• Rosa Blackmore: An English author, who has written several popular thriller novels.
• Rosalie Blackmore: An Australian actress, notable for her roles in several TV dramas.
• Oliver Blackmore: A British archaeologist known for his work on Medieval archaeology.
• Jess Blackmore: A Canadian football player who has been active in the Canadian Football League.
• Benjamin Blackmore: An accomplished architect in England during the 19th Century.
• Candice Night Blackmore: An American vocalist/lyricist and the lead vocalist and lyricist for the band Blackmore's Night, which she founded with her husband, Ritchie Blackmore.
• Paul Blackmore: An Australian photojournalist known for his global reportage.
• Hugh Blackmore: A former Australian rules footballer who played with Melbourne in the Victorian Football League (VFL).
• Matt Blackmore: An English Rugby Union player.
• Heather Blackmore: An American novelist.
• Harold Blackmore: A former Australian cricket player.
• Margaret Blackmore: A British botanist and the first woman president of the British Mycological Society.

Other surnames

Blackmon