Last Name Blachman

Learn more about the origin of the last name Blachman

The meaning and origin of the last name Blachman

The surname Blachman originates from Scandinavia, specifically Denmark and Norway. It is derived from the Old Norse byname "Blakr," which means "black" or "dark." Over time, this personal name evolved into Blakmann, then Blachman in Danish and Norwegian, indicating a person with dark hair or complexion. The surname Blachman was primarily used as a patronymic, with the suffix "-man" denoting "son of Blakr" or "descendant of Blakr." As immigration from Scandinavia increased throughout history, the Blachman surname became more widespread in various parts of the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Blachman

The surname Blachman has its origins primarily in Denmark and Norway, with a significant concentration in these regions historically. In Denmark, it is most prevalent in the Jutland peninsula and the central region around Copenhagen. In Norway, the highest occurrences are found in the southern counties of Vestfold and Akershus, as well as in the western region of Rogaland. Over time, due to immigration and diaspora, Blachman has also been distributed among various communities across the globe, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and Israel. In these countries, it is most common in urban areas with dense Scandinavian populations such as New York City, Toronto, Sydney, and Tel Aviv.

Variants and spellings of the last name Blachman

The surname Blachman has several variants and spelling variations due to differences in transcription, transliteration, and regional dialects over time. Some common spelling variations include Blackman, Blakemann, Blaceman, Blaikman, Blaikman, Blaichman, Blauchman, Blachmann, Blaikmen, and Blaikmens. These variations can be found across various countries and regions, reflecting migration patterns and historical changes in spelling norms. It is important to note that while these variants share a similar etymology, they may not always have the same origins or meanings. The name Blachman, Blackman, and its variations likely derive from Old Norse personal names such as Blakr or Blåkr meaning "black" or "dark," with the addition of the English suffix "-man."

Famous people with the last name Blachman

Notable individuals bearing the surname Blachman include:

1. Dan Blacharski, an American journalist, author, and founder of The Sporting News's website, _TheFanbase_.

2. Niels Viggo Blachman, a Danish writer known for his social realist novels, who won the Nordic Council Literature Prize in 1975.

3. Sarah Blachman, an American pianist and composer whose work includes film scores, ballet, contemporary classical music, and chamber music.

4. Michael Blachman, a journalist and editor-in-chief of the digital division at ESPN, previously working for NBC News and The New York Times.

5. Richard Blachman, an American playwright, novelist, and screenwriter whose work has been produced on Broadway, Off-Broadway, and television.

Genealogical research on the last name Blachman

The Blachman surname is primarily of German and Jewish origin, derived from the Old High German word "blahe" meaning "pale," or "bleich" meaning "pale-faced." It may also be a shortened form of the surnames Blumenthal (meaning "flower stone") or Blumenfeld (meaning "flower field"). The Blachman family can be traced back to medieval Germany, with records indicating that they were predominantly found in regions such as Bavaria and Prussia.

During the 19th century, many Blachmans immigrated to the United States, seeking economic opportunities, with significant populations settling in New York City, Philadelphia, and Chicago. Some branches of the family also emigrated to Israel during the late 20th century.

In terms of notability, notable individuals bearing the surname include Max Blachman (an American composer), and several Blachmans who have made significant contributions to various fields in Israel such as Raphael Blachman (a former Israeli Minister of Finance) and Amos Blachman (a prominent Israeli psychologist).

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

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

About the author :

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 : 24 July 2025