Surname Blackwell - Meaning and Origin

Tracing My Roots: A Personal Chronicle of Blackwell through iGENEA DNA Test

Embark on a journey back in time with me, as I explore my roots using the iGENEA DNA test. Learn about the rich history and significance behind the surname Blackwell, and discover the surprising connections I've made with fellow Blackwells around the world.

O. Blackwell

Blackwell: What does the surname Blackwell mean?

Blackwell is an English surname that is of geographical origin, referring to a person who lived by a dark stream or spring. The name derives from the Old English words "blaec," meaning "black" or "dark," and "well(a)," meaning "spring," "stream," or "well". It can also refer to the name of villages in Derbyshire and Worcestershire in England. These villages are thought to have been named Blackwell due to their location near such dark-colored streams. Thus, the name Blackwell was often given to individuals who were from these areas or who lived near a dark or murky spring or stream. Over time, it became a hereditary last name passed down through generations. Despite its English origins, Blackwell is a common last name in various cultures around the world.

Blackwell: Where does the name Blackwell come from?

The surname Blackwell originates from England. It is derived from the Old English "blaec" and "wella," meaning "black" and "spring or stream," respectively. Therefore, Blackwell historically refers to a "dark spring" or "dark well."

This surname began in Derbyshire, but Blackwell family members later established themselves in various regions, with several family branches founded in the counties of Middlesex, Leicestershire, Somerset, and Sussex.

In the 17th century, many individuals with the surname Blackwell migrated to the United States. In the modern-day United States, especially in the southern states and also the UK, the surname Blackwell remains prevalent. According to the 2000 Census in the United States, Blackwell was the 445th most common surname.

Additionally, the surname Blackwell is also common in Australia and Canada, as English settlers with this surname migrated to these countries in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Variations of the surname Blackwell

The surname Blackwell has its roots in Old English and originates from various locations named Blackwell in the counties of Derbyshire and Durham in the UK. The name signifies 'black stream' from the Old English words 'blaec' and 'wella'. This geographical surname underwent several transformations and adaptations over time.

Alternative spellings for the surname Blackwell include Blackwall, Blackell, Blackall, Blakewell, Blakewall, Blackelle, and Blackill. Additionally, the spelling may have changed over time and across geographic locations due to variations in pronunciation, accents, and transcription errors.

Derived or associated surnames for Blackwell could be those that signify a similar geographical feature or location, including similar names like Blackwater or Blackwood.

It's also worth noting that not everyone with the surname Blackwell will be related, as the surname could have been adopted independently by different people based on their respective geographic locations. Thus, while the surname variants provide a rich understanding of the name's history, tracing lineage solely based on the surname can be complex.

Famous people with the name Blackwell

• Elizabeth Blackwell: The first woman to receive a medical degree in the U.S.
• Chris Blackwell: Founder of Island Records, instrumental in promoting reggae and artists like Bob Marley.
• Cilla Black (born Priscilla Maria Veronica White): English singer, television presenter, actress, and author who took the last name "Blackwell" in honour of her mentor, Brian Epstein's company, NEMS Blackwell.
• Scrapper Blackwell: Renowned blues guitarist of the 1920s and 30s.
• Henry Brown Blackwell: A famous advocate for social and economic reform in 19th-century America.
• Alice Stone Blackwell: Daughter of Henry B. Blackwell, she was a renowned journalist and human rights advocate.
• Antoinette Brown Blackwell: First woman to be ordained as a mainstream Protestant minister in the U.S.
• Jacob Blackwell: American football player.
• Simon Blackwell: Emmy-winning English comedy writer and producer known for "Peep Show" and "The Thick of It".
• Keith Blackwell: Judge of the Supreme Court of Georgia.
• David Blackwell: A prominent statistician and mathematician, the first black member of the National Academy of Sciences.
• Hugo Blackwell: An eminent anthropologist and renowned author.

Other surnames

Blackwelder