Last Name Black

Learn more about the origin of the last name Black

The meaning and origin of the last name Black

The surname Black originates from various countries, with different roots. In England, the name is often an occupation surname derived from the Old English word "blac," which means "black." Individuals who worked in professions involving black dye or pigment may have taken this name to distinguish themselves. In Scotland, the name Black can be a locative surname, originating from places named Black (such as Blackford) or referring to a dark-colored landmark. The name has also been found in Ireland and among African American families, sometimes indicating a dark complexion or association with a particular tribe or clan. The earliest records of the Black family can be traced back to the 12th century in England and Scotland, providing a rich historical background for this common and distinctive surname.

Geographical distribution of the last name Black

The surname Black is widely distributed across various regions globally, reflecting its historical origins and subsequent migrations. In England, it is most prevalent in counties such as Yorkshire, Lancashire, Cumbria, and Durham, with the highest concentrations around urban areas like Manchester and Newcastle upon Tyne. The name also has a significant presence in Scotland, particularly in the Central Belt region. In North America, Black is one of the most common African-American surnames, tracing its roots to the transatlantic slave trade. It is also found among descendants of European immigrants, especially those from England and Ireland, in areas such as Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. The name is also prevalent in some Caribbean islands, particularly Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago. In Africa, it can be found in countries with a large diaspora population, such as Ghana and Nigeria.

Variants and spellings of the last name Black

The surname Black has several variations and spellings worldwide due to differences in pronunciation, spelling conventions, and historical influences. Some common variations include Blackman, Blacker, Blackwell, Blackwood, and Blakely. Additionally, there are regional variations such as Schwartz (German), Nero (Italian), Noir (French), Czarny (Polish), and Negro (Spanish). There is also the less common British variant of MacAteer or McAtee, which comes from a Gaelic surname with the same meaning. These variations have been influenced by local languages, historical events, and migration patterns over centuries.

Famous people with the last name Black

Notable individuals bearing the surname Black include Paul Laurence Dunbar, an influential African-American poet and novelist during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His works often depicted African American life and culture and were notable for their dialect poetry. Another prominent figure is Lena Horne, an acclaimed jazz and pop singer, dancer, and actress who was a prominent civil rights activist and a high-profile entertainer in the United States during the mid-20th century. Max Roach, a renowned jazz drummer and bandleader, is another significant Black family member; he played a crucial role in developing bebop and free jazz styles. In the world of sports, Michael Blackson, also known as The African King of Comedy, has gained fame as a stand-up comedian and actor. Additionally, Shania Twain, born Eilleen Regina Edwards, was initially unaware that her biological father was Afro-Guyanese; she rose to international fame in the mid-1990s as a country pop singer-songwriter.

Genealogical research on the last name Black

The surname Black originates from Old English and Old Norse roots, with variations such as Blacke, Blak, Blakeman, and others. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name is found in England during the Domesday Book survey in 1086, where a landowner named 'Ricardus Blac' was mentioned. The name Black spread throughout Britain, particularly in regions with Norse influence like Yorkshire and Lancashire. Later, many English settlers brought the surname to America during the colonial period, establishing Black families in states such as Virginia, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania. Notable individuals with the surname Black include James E. Black, a prominent oil tycoon, and musician Quincy Jones Black III. The diversity and history of the Black family tree reflect the broader narrative of Anglo-Saxon and Scandinavian migration patterns and their impact on global genealogy.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Black"
• 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 : 12 June 2025