Last Name Blau

The surname "Blau" is of Germanic origin. It is derived from the Middle High German word "blawe," which means "blue." The name was originally used as a nickname for someone who had blue eyes or wore blue clothing, or for a person associated with something blue, such as a blue trade or occupation. Over time, the name became hereditary and was passed down through generations.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Blau

The meaning and origin of the last name Blau

The surname Blau is of German and Jewish origins, derived from the Old High German word "blāo" or Middle High German "blawe," which means "blue." It was often adopted as a surname by individuals who worked in professions related to blue dyes or textiles, or simply due to personal association with the color. The use of occupational names like Blau is common in central Europe, particularly among Germanic peoples and Jewish communities. In some cases, it may also have been a nickname for someone who wore clothes of the color blue. Over time, the spelling of the name has evolved, appearing as Blaue, Blauwe, Blaw, Blå, Blue, and Bleu in various languages and regions.

Geographical distribution of the last name Blau

The surname Blau is predominantly found in Central and Eastern European countries, particularly Germany, Austria, and Poland, due to its Jewish origin. Its frequency significantly increased during the medieval period when Ashkenazi Jews began to settle in these regions. Over time, people with the last name Blau also immigrated to other parts of the world. In North America, a substantial number of individuals with the surname Blau are of German or Eastern European descent and can be found mainly in the United States and Canada. Additionally, some Blaus of Sephardic Jewish origin reside in countries like Spain and Portugal following their expulsion during the Inquisition, as well as in Israel due to historical migrations. The name is also present in other parts of Europe, such as France, Sweden, and the Netherlands.

Variants and spellings of the last name Blau

The surname Blau can be found with various spellings and variations, largely due to differences in transliteration and transcription over time and across regions. Some common variants of Blau include Blue, Bleu, and Blaue, all of which are phonetic variations derived from the original Germanic name. The spelling "Blowe" is an older English version of the same name. In Hebrew, the name may be written as בלו (Blū) or בלאו (Blau). Another variant, "Blew," is an English nickname for individuals with the surname Blau, often used in a playful or informal context. It's important to note that these variations can result in different pronunciations and meanings in different languages, but they generally retain the original root of the name, which means "blue" in Germanic languages.

Famous people with the last name Blau

Notable individuals with the surname Blau include:

1. Herbert Blau (1924-2008), an American playwright, theatre director, and academic who contributed significantly to modern American theater as a founder of the Living Theatre.

2. Edward Blau (born 1937), an American literary scholar and academic specializing in modernism and postmodernism. He has written extensively on authors such as James Joyce, Virginia Woolf, and Toni Morrison.

3. Max Blau (born 1982), an American journalist who is a senior reporter for Politico and has previously worked for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and The Christian Science Monitor.

4. Felix Blau (1905-1967), a German sociologist known for his work in urban sociology, particularly his studies on housing and neighborhoods.

5. Giora Blau (born 1943), an Israeli musician, composer, and actor who has worked extensively in theater, film, and television, both as a performer and behind the scenes.

Genealogical research on the last name Blau

The surname Blau originates from Germany and Jewish communities in eastern Europe. It is an occupational name derived from the Middle High German word "blaue," meaning "blue." In the Middle Ages, it was often used to designate dyers who made blue cloth or garments. The name also appeared among Ashkenazi Jews, who adopted European surnames during the late Middle Ages and early modern period as a result of state-sponsored efforts to impose civil registration on Jewish populations. Blaus can be found in various regions of Germany, particularly in Bavaria and Silesia, as well as in Poland, Hungary, Romania, and other eastern European countries with significant Jewish populations. Notable individuals with the surname Blau include Max Blau, a prominent American physician and public health advocate, and Heinrich Blau, a German physicist known for his work on light scattering and polarization.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Blau"
• 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 : 27 July 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends