Surname Blass - Meaning and Origin

Blass: What does the surname Blass mean?

The last name Blass is of German origin and is derived from the word “Blasse,” which means pale, pallid, or weak. It is believed that the name was used to describe those with pale or weakened features. It can also be interpreted to mean pallor or a lack of vitality. The surname likely dates back to around the 11th century.

In German, Blass can have several meanings. One interpretation is "fair-haired." Alternatively, it may mean "one who works with a spade," referring to a person's occupation as an agricultural worker. The word can also refer to a meadow, or an area of land distinguished by its flatness or meadowland.

In the United States, the last name Blass is mostly associated with the clothing and fashion industry. The late designer Bill Blass was an American fashion designer who created a world-renowned fashion line in the 1960s. The name Blass is also linked to shopping and style, as the Blass Clothing Shop was run by two sisters in the early 1900s.

The last name Blass is distinct and carries a unique connotation for those from a Germanic background. It can be interpreted to mean a lack of vitality, a meadow or flatland, an agricultural worker, or even a fair-haired individual. Through its association with fashion, the last name Blass has developed a more positive connotation and is now linked to style and elegance.

Blass: Where does the name Blass come from?

The last name Blass is most commonly found in Germany and Eastern Europe. The name is derived from the Middle High German word ‘blas’ which means 'sinister'. The name is more commonplace in Germany, where it is often spelled “Blaas”. It has also been found in other European countries, including Switzerland, Austria, and even the Netherlands.

In the United States, Blass is a fairly uncommon name, with the 2010 census data indicating that there are only 5 families bearing the surname. However, there are more Blasses in the US than one might expect, as it is sometimes found spelled as Blauss or Blause. The latter being most concentration in Pennsylvania.

In Australia, Blass is also a fairly uncommon name, with the 2016 data indicating that there are only 42 families bearing the surname. This surname is most prevalent in the Northern Territory, New South Wales, and Victoria. It is also fairly common in Canada, particularly in the provinces of Quebec and Ontario where it is often spelt “Blais” or “Blaise”.

It should be noted that the name Blass is also common among Jews from Eastern Europe, who often spell the name with two "s” instead of the more typical one. In this case, those with the name might also trace their family roots back to Germany.

Overall, Blass is not a very common surname outside of Germany, though there are those scattered around the world who bear this surname. In the United States, Australia, and Canada, the number of households bearing the name is relatively low. However, it is also important to note that there are many people in Eastern Europe and Jews of German heritage who also carry the name.

Variations of the surname Blass

The surname Blass has several variants and spellings. The most common variants and related surnames include Blaß, Blass, Blaas, Blaus, Blaes, and even the Belgian form Blasiau. All of these variations stem from the Middle High German word "blasen" which translates to a form of blowing or shaping something through blowing air. In this particular sense, this name is thought to have originated as an occupational surname, referring to someone who worked as a blacksmith or a bellows-maker.

Blass is also said to be derived from the town of Blois in France, and in this sense, it is thought to be a toponymic surname, meaning that it is derived from the location from which it came. The related Dutch form, Blaes, is also thought to have originated from this same location in France.

Many genealogists believe that the many variants and spellings of the Blass surname may have come about due to the local language or dialect. Variations, such as Blaß to Blass, may simply reflect language variation within the German language from region to region. It is also possible that some of the spellings are simply alternative spellings or typing errors.

In conclusion, the surname Blass may have originated as an occupational surname or a toponymic surname, and many of the different spellings and variants come from local language dialects or alternate spellings in the same language. No matter how it is spelled, all of the surnames from this family tree share the same origin.

Famous people with the name Blass

• Bill Blass: An iconic American fashion designer known for his eponymous label, Bill Blass Ltd. He was one of the first American fashion designers to become internationally renowned and was often referred to as "the designer's designer."
• Roger Blass: A renowned psychologist and psychoanalyst who worked with the unconscious and dreams. He was most well known for his work on the social psychoanalytic analysis of dreams.
• Owen Blass: A famous American journalist and writer known for his work on investigative journalism and war reporting. He has been a named Pulitzer Prize finalist on two occasions.
• Richard Blass: An accomplished American actor, director and producer of both film and television. He has featured prominently in Hollywood blockbusters such as A Few Good Men and The Shawshank Redemption.
• Jacques Blass: A renowned French film director, screenwriter, and producer. He is widely credited with creating some of the most critically acclaimed and historically important films from the 20th century.
• Rod Blass: An iconic American interior designer and decorator whose luxurious, yet traditional works can be found in the homes of some of the wealthiest and most famous people in the world.
• Charles Blass: An acclaimed American author whose works focus on the struggles of the Native American people in the modern era, as well as their resistance, survival, and understanding.
• Bernie Blass: A well-known American music composer and arranger. He has worked and performed with a variety of artists including Barbra Streisand, Aretha Franklin, Lionel Richie, and John Denver.
• Louis Blass: An influential French political theorist who focused on the links between politics and literature, particularly the concept of 'cultural capital'. He wrote several influential works, including The Political Novel: Art and Modesty.
• Faith Blass: An talented American artist whose works focus on the social and political issues that plague our modern day society. She is widely known for her vibrant and surrealist works that evoke hope and strength.

Other surnames

BlasBläsBlaschakBlaschczikBlaschczokBlaschczykBlascheckBlascheiBlaschejBlaschekBlaschewitzBlaschewskiBlascheyBlaschkaBlaschkeBläschkeBlaschkewitzBlaschkoBlaschkowitzBlaschkowskiBlaschokBlaschtschakBlaschtzikBlaschykBlaschzigBlaschzikBlaschzokBlaschzykBlascoBlasczak