Last Name Black: Origin, Meaning, and History

The surname Black is a common last name with roots in various cultures and languages. It can be traced back to the Middle Ages, with origins in both England and Scotland. The name itself is descriptive, referring to the color black, and is often associated with individuals who lived near dark landscapes, worked with black materials, or possessed dark hair or complexion. This comprehensive list explores the diverse meanings and origins of the last name Black, offering a glimpse into its rich history and cultural significance.
1. **Black**: This surname is a direct translation of the Old English word "blæc," meaning "black." It may have been given to individuals who had dark hair or complexion, or lived in a dark or wooded area.
2. **Blackburn**: This surname originates from the town of Blackburn in Lancashire, England. It signifies "black burn" and refers to a stream or river with dark, murky waters.
3. **Blackett**: This surname is a variant of "Black," and is particularly common in the north of England. It may have been given to individuals who lived near a black-colored stream or river, or whose houses were painted black.
4. **Blackmore**: This surname originates from the Blackmoor district in Devon, England. It means "dark moor" and refers to a treeless and dark expanse of land.
5. **Blackwell**: This surname originates from the village of Blackwell in Durham, England. It means "black spring" and refers to a spring with dark, murky waters.
6. **Blackwood**: This surname is a combination of the words "black" and "wood." It may have been given to individuals who lived in a dark or wooded area, or whose family was involved in the timber trade.
7. **Blackford**: This surname means "black ford" and refers to a crossing point over a dark or muddy river. It has origins in both England and Scotland.
8. **Blackstock**: This surname means "black stock" and refers to a piece of land covered in dark, dense vegetation. It is particularly common in England and Wales.
9. **Blackstone**: This surname means "black stone" and refers to a dark-colored rock or stone. It has origins in both England and Scotland.
10. **Blackman**: This surname is a common surname in England and the United States. It may have been given to individuals with dark skin, or who worked with black materials.
11. **Blackmon**: This surname is a variant of "Blackman," and is particularly common in the Southern United States. It has similar origins and meanings.
12. **Blackburn**: This surname is a variant of "Blackburn," and is particularly common in Ireland. It may have been given to individuals who lived near a dark, muddy river or stream.
13. **Blackhall**: This surname originates from the Blackhall district in Scotland. It means "black hall" and refers to a large house or building with dark-colored walls or roof.
14. **Blackledge**: This surname means "black ridge" and refers to a dark, rocky ridge or hill. It is particularly common in England and Wales.
15. **Blacklock**: This surname means "black lock" and refers to a lock on a canal or river that is dark in color or appearance. It has origins in both England and Scotland.
16. **Blacklow**: This surname means "black hill" and refers to a hill that is dark in color or appearance. It is particularly common in England and Wales.
17. **Blackwell**: This surname is a variant of "Blackwell," and is particularly common in the United States. It may have been given to individuals who lived near a dark, muddy spring.
18. **Blackwood**: This surname is a variant of "Blackwood," and is particularly common in the United States. It may have been given to individuals who lived in a dark, wooded area.
19. **Blackshear**: This surname originates from the Blackshear district in Georgia, USA. It means "black shear" and refers to a stream or river with dark, muddy waters.
20. **Blackmore**: This surname is a variant of "Blackmore," and is particularly common in the United States. It may have been given to individuals who lived in a dark, treeless area.
21. **Blackford**: This surname is a variant of "Blackford," and is particularly common in the United States. It may have been given to individuals who lived near a dark, muddy ford.
22. **Blackstock**: This surname is a variant of "Blackstock," and is particularly common in the United States. It may have been given to individuals who lived on a piece of land covered in dark, dense vegetation.
23. **Blackstone**: This surname is a variant of "Blackstone," and is particularly common in the United States. It may have been given to individuals who lived near a dark, rocky stone.
24. **Blackburn**: This surname is a variant of "Blackburn," and is particularly common in Canada. It may have been given to individuals who lived near a dark, muddy river or stream.
25. **Blackhall**: This surname is a variant of "Blackhall," and is particularly common in Canada. It may have been given to individuals who lived near a large house or building with dark-colored walls or roof.
26. **Blackledge**: This surname is a variant of "Blackledge," and is particularly common in Canada. It may have been given to individuals who lived near a dark, rocky ridge or hill.
27. **Blacklock**: This surname is a variant of "Blacklock," and is particularly common in Canada. It may have been given to individuals who lived near a dark, muddy lock on a canal or river.
28. **Blacklow**: This surname is a variant of "Blacklow," and is particularly common in Canada. It may have been given to individuals who lived near a dark, muddy hill.
29. **Blackwell**: This surname is a variant of "Blackwell," and is particularly common in Australia. It may have been given to individuals who lived near a dark, muddy spring.
30. **Blackwood**: This surname is a variant of "Blackwood," and is particularly common in Australia. It may have been given to individuals who lived in a dark, wooded area.
31. **Blackburn**: This surname is a variant of "Blackburn," and is particularly common in New Zealand. It may have been given to individuals who lived near a dark, muddy river or stream.
32. **Blackhall**: This surname is a variant of "Blackhall," and is particularly common in New Zealand. It may have been given to individuals who lived near a large house or building with dark-colored walls or roof.
33. **Blackledge**: This surname is a variant of "Blackledge," and is particularly common in New Zealand. It may have been given to individuals who lived near a dark, rocky ridge or hill.
34. **Blacklock**: This surname is a variant of "Blacklock," and is particularly common in New Zealand. It may have been given to individuals who lived near a dark, muddy lock on a canal or river.
35. **Blacklow**: This surname is a variant of "Blacklow," and is particularly common in New Zealand. It may have been given to individuals who lived near a dark, muddy hill.
36. **Blackmore**: This surname is a variant of "Blackmore," and is particularly common in South Africa. It may have been given to individuals who lived in a dark, treeless area.
37. **Blackford**: This surname is a variant of "Blackford," and is particularly common in South Africa. It may have been given to individuals who lived near a dark, muddy ford.
38. **Blackstock**: This surname is a variant of "Blackstock," and is particularly common in South Africa. It may have been given to individuals who lived on a piece of land covered in dark, dense vegetation.
39. **Blackstone**: This surname is a variant of "Blackstone," and is particularly common in South Africa. It may have been given to individuals who lived near a dark, rocky stone.
40. **Black**: This surname is a variant of "Black," and is particularly common in the Caribbean. It may have been given to individuals who were of African descent.