Last Name Blot

Learn more about the origin of the last name Blot

The meaning and origin of the last name Blot

The surname Blot originates from France, specifically in the region of Normandy. It is derived from the Old French word "blot," which means "spot" or "blemish." In medieval times, this name was often given to individuals who had a distinctive birthmark or physical trait that set them apart, serving as a form of identification within their community. Over time, it became a hereditary surname passed down through generations. The variant spellings, such as Blotter, Bloet, and Bloat, indicate the name's migration to other parts of Europe and eventual spread across the globe due to migration and colonization. Today, individuals with the surname Blot can be found in numerous countries, retaining a connection to their French roots through the unique history of their name.

Geographical distribution of the last name Blot

The surname Blot is predominantly found in France, particularly in the northern regions such as Nord-Pas-de-Calais and Picardy, where it has a higher frequency compared to other parts of the country. Additionally, significant concentrations can be found in Belgium, notably in Wallonia, due to historical and cultural ties between the two regions. The name is also sparsely distributed in Switzerland, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands, reflecting migrations over time. In these countries, it is often spelled slightly differently due to linguistic variations. Occasionally, individuals with the Blot surname can be found in other parts of the world, particularly in countries with a significant French-speaking population or European immigration.

Variants and spellings of the last name Blot

The surname Blot possesses several variations and spellings across different regions and time periods. The most common spelling is Blot, which originates from France. Other variations include Bloat, Bloate, and Blaught, all of which may be found in historical records from England during the Middle Ages. In Scottish Gaelic, the name can also appear as Mac a' Bhleid, MacBlaidh, or MacBlathaich, translating to "son of the smith" or "son of the warrior." The surname may also be found in various forms throughout Belgium and the Netherlands, such as Blaut, Bloet, and Bleu. These variations reflect the mobility of people and the changing nature of language over time. Despite these differences, all versions of the name share a common root and are considered part of the wider Blot family lineage.

Famous people with the last name Blot

The Blot family has produced notable figures across various fields. One of the most renowned is Jacques-Louis David Blot (1748-1826), a French Neoclassical painter and one of the greatest artists of the modern era. He served as a major influencer during the Napoleon Bonaparte era, painting iconic works such as "The Oath of the Horatii" and "Napoleon Crossing the Alps." In the world of literature, there is Georges Blot (1901-1975), a French writer and journalist known for his crime novels featuring the detective Commissaire Antoine Maigret. Lastly, in the realm of sports, Jules Blot (1864-1932) was a Belgian footballer who played as a goalkeeper. He is considered one of the pioneers of the game and represented Belgium at international level during the early years of FIFA.

Genealogical research on the last name Blot

The surname Blot originates from France and is a topographic name for someone who lived near a small body of water, derived from the Old French word "blot" or "bleut", meaning 'blue'. This name was typically given to someone who lived near such a water source, or perhaps one who had some association with it, such as a fisherman or water mill operator. The earliest known record of the name is found in Normandy in the 11th century, specifically in the area now known as Eure. From there, the Blot family spread across France, particularly to regions like Picardy and Languedoc. Many Blots emigrated from France during the Hundred Years War (1337-1453), establishing themselves in England and other European countries. The name is also found in significant numbers in Belgium and Canada, where it was brought by French settlers. Today, the Blot family can be found worldwide, particularly in France, Belgium, Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

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