Surname Blunt - Meaning and Origin

Unfolding the Norse Viking Lineage of Surname Blunt: An iGENEA DNA Test Review

The iGENEA DNA test revealed fascinating insights into the origin and lineage of my surname, Blunt. Acknowledging its technical accuracy, the test also used a dual lineage approach to gather precise information. The results indicate a possible Norse Viking origin of my surname dating back to the Norman times.

P. Blunt

Blunt: What does the surname Blunt mean?

The surname Blunt is of English origin and is derived from the Old English word "blunt," which means blunt or dull. It was originally used as a nickname for someone with dull or blunt features, traits or behavior. It is believed to have appeared in the Middle Ages and predates the England of the 14th to 15th century. Since it is a descriptive surname, it is classified as a character-based metonymic surname, rooted in an early existing name or nickname. Several variants of the name include Blount, Blonte, and Blundt. It is also used in some cases as a given name. Like many early surnames its origins are somewhat lost in antiquity, and historians have proposed various theories about its exact origin. Today, it's recognized internationally thanks to several famous personalities with this name, like actress Emily Blunt or musician James Blunt.

Blunt: Where does the name Blunt come from?

The surname Blunt is of Anglo-Saxon origin, deriving from the Old English "blunt" or "blon(d)," which roughly translates to "blonde" or "fair-haired." This implies that the original bearers of this name possibly had blonde or fair hair. This name can also be traced back to the Norman personal name "Blund," popular among the Normans in the post-conquest period.

Another theory suggests that the name might be of nickname origin, referring to an individual's physical characteristics or personality. Such descriptive surnames were common in the Middle Ages. In this context, "blunt" might have derived from the Middle English term "blunt/blont," meaning "dull" or "blunt," possibly referring to someone lacking sharpness in wit.

The surname Blunt is common within English-speaking countries, particularly the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and Australia. One of the prominent bearers of this surname today is English singer-songwriter James Blunt. In England, the surname is most common in areas of Yorkshire and Lancashire. The United States also hosts a considerable number of people with this surname, particularly in states like Virginia and Missouri.

Variations of the surname Blunt

The surname Blunt is of English origin and it has several variants and spellings. Variations of this name include Blount, Blonte, Bluntt, and Blunte. The name was originally taken from the Old English word ‘blunt’ meaning ‘blonde, fair-haired.’

In regard to surnames of the same origin, there are several options. These may include different spellings and variations related to the name's geographical origin or nicknames based on personal characteristics, as was common in medieval times.

Blunt is a surname that could be an engrossing nickname referring to a person’s physical appearance or characteristic. Its Normandy equivalent, Le Blount, is also considered a surname of the same origin. Other names such as Blond, Blondeau, Blondel, and Blondin, which all also indicate the characteristic of 'blonde or fair-hair', sit in the similar domain.

Given the wide range of spellings and variations over centuries and across regions, it's possible there may be other, less common variants not included here.

Famous people with the name Blunt

• Emily Blunt: An English-American actress best known for roles in films such as The Devil Wears Prada, A Quiet Place and Mary Poppins Returns.
• James Blunt: An English singer-songwriter and former British Army Officer, widely recognized for his hit single "You're Beautiful".
• Wilfrid Scawen Blunt: A 19th century English poet and writer, also renowned as an equestrian and a political activist focused on Middle Eastern affairs.
• Anthony Blunt: A British historian and former spy for the Soviet Union. He was an acclaimed art curator before his spying activities became public knowledge.
• Roy Blunt: American politician and a member of the Republican Party who served as a United States Senator from Missouri from 2011 to 2023.
• Matt Blunt: An American politician and the son of Roy Blunt. He served as the governor of Missouri from 2005 to 2009.
• Crispin Blunt: A British Conservative Party politician who served as a Member of Parliament for several years.
• Giles Blunt: A Canadian author and screenwriter, recognized for his Cardinal crime novels that were adapted into a TV series.

Other surnames

Blundell