Last Name Belknap

Learn more about the origin of the last name Belknap

The meaning and origin of the last name Belknap

The surname Belknap originates from Old English and Old Norse roots, combining elements from both cultures that populated medieval England. "Bel" is derived from the Old English word "beál," meaning bald or smooth-shaven, while "Knap" is an Anglicized form of the Old Norse "knápr," which means knob or button. Thus, the name Belknap might have been given to someone who had a distinctive physical feature, such as a bald head with a knob or bump on it. The name was first recorded in the late Middle Ages and is most commonly found today in the United States, especially in New England where early settlers were often of Anglo-Scandinavian descent.

Geographical distribution of the last name Belknap

The surname Belknap is primarily distributed across the United States, particularly in New England states such as Massachusetts and Vermont, where it originated, and in Maine, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New Hampshire. It is also found in significant numbers in other Northeastern states like New York and Pennsylvania. However, the name has also spread to various parts of the country, including Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, and California, due to migration and settlement patterns over centuries. Outside of the United States, Belknap is occasionally found in Canada, particularly in Ontario and Nova Scotia, reflecting the historical ties between these regions and the New England colonies. The name's distribution suggests a strong American heritage, with most instances traceable to English and Scottish roots.

Variants and spellings of the last name Belknap

The surname Belknap possesses several variants and spellings, primarily due to phonetic spelling differences and regional influences over time. Variations include: Belknap, Beleknap, Bellknapp, Belkknap, Bellican, Bellicane, Belliknap, Belliknape, Bellinacoppa, Bellinacappa, Bellincamp, Bellincampo, and Bellingkamp. These variations may be found in different parts of the world, as people with this name emigrated from their native countries to other regions. The most common form is Belknap, which originates from Old English, meaning "beech tree knoll." Despite these spelling differences, all these surnames can trace their roots back to a single individual or family lineage.

Famous people with the last name Belknap

Notable individuals bearing the surname Belknap include:

1. Jeremiah Belknap (1778-1858), an American historian, lawyer, and politician who served as Speaker of the New Hampshire House of Representatives from 1819 to 1820. He was also a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for three terms during the early 19th century.

2. John Pickering Belknap (1776-1856), an American lawyer and politician from Massachusetts, who served as Secretary of State under Governor Edward Johnston from 1814 to 1816. He was also a member of the United States House of Representatives for two terms during the early 19th century.

3. Josiah Belknap (1785-1860), an American naval officer and author who served during the War of 1812. After his military service, he became a prominent author, publishing several books on naval history.

4. Margaret Belknap (1934-), an American statistician and social scientist known for her contributions to methodology in survey sampling and data analysis. She has published numerous articles and books on these topics, and she has been a leader in the field of statistics for several decades.

Genealogical research on the last name Belknap

The surname Belknap is primarily of English origin, derived from a place name Belknap, located in Northumberland County, England. The name is thought to be a combination of two Old Norse elements: "bjellr," meaning rock, and "hnappr," meaning knob or hillock, describing a distinctive rocky outcrop or hill. This topographic surname was often given to someone who lived near such a landmark.

Belknap emigrants began arriving in North America in the late 17th century, primarily settling in Massachusetts and Connecticut. Notable Belknaps include Edward Belknap, who served as the 32nd Governor of Massachusetts from 1869 to 1874; Richard W. Belknap, a U.S. Congressman from Vermont in the late 19th century; and Mary Belknap Sherman, an American writer and poet. The distribution of the surname today is primarily concentrated in New England, with significant populations also found in Midwestern states such as Michigan and Wisconsin.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Belknap"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

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NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 14 June 2025