Blak History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Spain
Ireland
Scotland

Etymology of Blak

What does the name Blak mean?

The earliest origins of the Blak surname date from the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture of Britain. Their name reveals that an early member was a person associated with the color black. The name Blak may have referred to someone with black hair or clothing, or to somone who worked in a profession such as chimney sweeping, which left its practitioners covered in soot.

Early Origins of the Blak family

The surname Blak was first found in Lincolnshire where they held a family seat from very ancient times, some say well before the Norman Conquest and the arrival of Duke William at Hastings in 1066 A.D. It is said that the first family of Black were converted to Christianity by Paulinus, the head of the family being Prefect of Lincoln, about 628. They moved northward, however, and were well established in Scotland by 1175 A.D.

Early History of the Blak family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Blak research. Another 165 words (12 lines of text) covering the years 1756, 1760, 1778, 1797, 1854, 1886 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Blak History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Blak Spelling Variations

It is only in the last few hundred years that the English language has been standardized. For that reason, early Anglo-Saxon surnames like Blak are characterized by many spelling variations. As the English language changed and incorporated elements of other European languages, even literate people changed the spelling of their names. The variations of the name Blak include: Black, Blacke and others.

Early Notables of the Blak family

Another 42 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Blak Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Blak family to Ireland

Some of the Blak family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 61 words (4 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Blak family

Many English families tired of political and religious strife left Britain for the new colonies in North America. Although the trip itself offered no relief - conditions on the ships were extremely cramped, and many travelers arrived diseased, starving, and destitute - these immigrants believed the opportunities that awaited them were worth the risks. Once in the colonies, many of the families did indeed prosper and, in turn, made significant contributions to the culture and economies of the growing colonies. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families has revealed a number of immigrants bearing the name Blak or a variant listed above: Abraham Black, who settled in Virginia in 1713; Albert Black, who arrived in Maryland in 1673; Bridg Black, who settled in Virginia in 1662; Christian Black, who settled in Wilmington, NC in 1775.