Origin of your surname and forename !
NomOrigine

Last Name Blackhurst

Discover my family history now

What is the origin of the last name Blackhurst?

The surname Blackhurst is of English origin and it is derived from a place name. The word "Black" in this context indicates dark soil, while "Hurst" means a settlement on high ground or a wooded hill. The place names Blackhurst and Blackheath were common in England, with the former appearing in Cheshire and the latter being found in multiple locations such as Kent, Durham, and Yorkshire. Over time, individuals from these places moved to different areas and took their surnames with them.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Blackhurst

The meaning and origin of the last name Blackhurst

The surname Blackhurst is primarily of English origin, with roots dating back to the Middle Ages. It is derived from a topographical name for someone who lived near a black wood or grove, or alternatively, it could have been an occupational name for a watchman (from the Old English "blac" meaning black and "hyrst" meaning wood or hedge). The name may also have been used as a nickname for someone with dark hair or a swarthy complexion. Over time, variations in spelling, such as Blackhurst, Blakhirst, and Blackhirt, emerged due to factors like regional dialects and scribal errors during record keeping.

Geographical distribution of the last name Blackhurst

The surname Blackhurst is predominantly distributed across England and Wales, with significant concentrations in the counties of Lancashire, Yorkshire, and Cheshire. Historically, it's believed to have originated from the town of Blackburn in Lancashire, where a large number of its earliest recorded instances can be found. However, over time, the name has spread throughout England and Wales due to migration and colonization. In more recent times, descendants bearing the name Blackhurst can also be found in other English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, as a result of emigration from the British Isles.

Variants and spellings of the last name Blackhurst

The surname Blackhurst has several variations and alternate spellings due to regional dialects, historical transcription errors, and individual preferences. These include Blackhurstt, Blakhurst, Blak-Hurst, Blackhursts, Blackhirst, Blackhart, Blakhurst, and possibly others. However, it is essential to note that the most common spelling is Blackhurst. The name originated from England, derived from the Old English words "blac" meaning black and "hyrst" meaning a wooded hill or forest, indicating an individual residing near a dark, hilly forest.

Famous people with the last name Blackhurst

Notable individuals with the surname Blackhurst include:

1. John Blackhurst (1826-1894), an American sea captain who served as the commander of the USS Kearsarge during the U.S. Civil War, most notably in the battle against the CSS Alabama.

2. Sir James Henry Blackhurst (1873-1952), a British civil servant and diplomat who served as Permanent Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs from 1924 to 1930. He was instrumental in the negotiation of several treaties, including the Locarno Treaties and the Kellogg-Briand Pact.

3. George Blackhurst (born 1957), a Canadian politician who served as the Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador from 2003 to 2006. He was also a member of the House of Commons of Canada, representing the riding of St. John's East from 1993 to 2008.

4. Liam Blackhurst (born 1987), an English professional footballer who plays as a defender for Scottish Premiership club Heart of Midlothian and the England C national team.

Genealogical research on the last name Blackhurst

The Blackhurst surname is of English origin, derived from Old Norse and Old English elements, with possible meanings such as "black fur" or "black hill." The first recorded instance of the name dates back to the late Middle Ages in Yorkshire, England, with Richard de Blacureset appearing in a document from 1273.

Throughout history, various branches and spellings have emerged, including Blackurst, Blakhurst, Blakhurst, and Blachurst. Notable individuals bearing the name include John Blackhurst, a member of the crew of the Mayflower who arrived in Plymouth Colony in 1620; and Richard Blackhurst, an English lawyer and Member of Parliament in the early 17th century.

The Blackhurst family migrated to North America during the 17th and 18th centuries, primarily settling in areas such as Massachusetts, New York, and Pennsylvania. Today, a significant number of Blackhursts can be found in the United States, with smaller populations in Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

NomOrigine Team
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 :

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Pinterest WhatsApp Messenger Telegram

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

#1 Blach

Last name • surnames > blach

The origin of the last name "Blach" is not definitively known. It is likely to have various origins and could be derived from different languages or cultures. One possibility is th...

#2 Blacharz

Last name • surnames > blacharz

The surname Blacharz is of Polish origin. It is derived from a professional name for someone who was a blacksmith (kolarz czarny in Polish), as it comes from the root words "blak" ...

#3 Blachman

Last name • surnames > blachman

The surname Blachman is of Germanic origin. It is derived from the personal name "Blache," a short form of names like Blacard, Blasius, and Blanchard. These names are derived from ...

#4 Black

Last name • surnames > black

The surname Black originates from various regions, most notably England and Scotland. In Old English, the name is derived from "blaec" or "blac," meaning black. It was often used t...

#5 Black bird

Last name • surnames > black-bird

The surname Blackbird is of English origin and is derived from the Old English words "blaec" meaning black, and "brid" meaning bird. This surname likely originated as a nickname fo...

#6 Black spurs

Last name • surnames > black-spurs

The last name "Blackspurs" likely originated from a description of someone who either wore or worked with black spurs, which are metal devices worn on the heel of a rider's boot to...

#7 Blackfoot

Last name • surnames > blackfoot

The last name "Blackfoot" is of English and Scottish origin. It is likely derived from a nickname for a person with dark or black hair or complexion. Alternatively, it could also b...

#8 Blackham

Last name • surnames > blackham

The surname "Blackham" is of Old English origin and is derived from two Anglo-Saxon words: "blac," which means black, and "ham," meaning homestead or settlement. It was originally ...

#9 Blackman

Last name • surnames > blackman

The surname Blackman is primarily of English and Scottish origin. It is derived from a variety of sources, with one being an occupational name for a coal miner or someone who worke...

#10 Blackmon

Last name • surnames > blackmon

The surname "Blackmon" is of English origin. It is derived from the Old English words "blæc," meaning black, and "mund," meaning protection or guardian. As a result, the name "Bla...

#11 Blackwood

Last name • surnames > blackwood

The surname Blackwood is of Old English origin. It is derived from a place name, "Blacwud(e)wood," which means "Black (or dark) wood" and refers to a forest or area of dark trees. ...

#12 Bladal

Last name • surnames > bladal

Bladal is a Danish last name derived from the Old Norse word "bla" meaning blue or dark blue, and "dal" which means valley. The name likely originated as a locational surname for s...

#13 Bladhur

Last name • surnames > bladhur

The last name "Bladhur" is of Scandinavian origin. It is derived from the Old Norse personal name "Bladhurr," which is composed of the elements "blár," meaning "blue" or "black," ...

#14 Blaela

Last name • surnames > blaela

The last name "blaela" is of Irish origin. It is believed to be derived from the Gaelic surname "Ó Bláthaile," which means "descendant of Bláthail."

#15 Blaggn

Last name • surnames > blaggn

The origin of the last name "Blaggn" is not known. It does not appear to have a specific country or language of origin, and it may be a unique or uncommon surname.