Surname Blakney - Meaning and Origin
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Blakney: What does the surname Blakney mean?
The surname Blakney originates from English and Irish roots, but its exact meaning is unclear. It could have several possible origins. It may derive from the Gaelic word "blaoscnaidhe," meaning "a blowing or blustering person." Alternatively, Blakney could be a geographical or locational surname. It may derive from the place name "Blakeney," which is found in places like Norfolk and Gloucestershire in England. The word "Blakeney" could potentially mean "black island" in Old English, signifying a dark or swampy area surrounded by brighter, dryer land. In this context, people bearing the surname Blakney could be descendants of individuals who originally hailed from these areas. Therefore, individuals named Blakney could interpret their surname's meaning in several potential ways based on its different possible origins. However, without specific historical or genealogical research, it may be difficult to conclusively determine the exact meaning.
Order DNA origin analysisBlakney: Where does the name Blakney come from?
The surname Blakney traces its origins back to Irish and Scottish roots. Earlier spelled as Blakeney, the name is derived from a place in Norfolk, England. The first recorded spelling of the family name Blakney is shown to be that of Gilbert de Blakeney, which was dated around 1086, in the "Domesday Book of Norfolk." The name later travelled to Ireland during the Plantation of Ulster, becoming common among Irish families, specifically in counties Antrim and Donegal.
The surname Blakney has variations like Blackney and Blakeney, which can be found commonly among people of Irish and Scottish descent. Today, while there are bearers of this surname around the world, it is especially prevalent in English-speaking countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. It's also still relatively common in certain parts of Ireland and Scotland. It is less common in non-English speaking nations.
Variations of the surname Blakney
The surname Blakney has various spellings and variants, influenced by geographical location, cultural influences, and dialect differences. Some of the common variants and similar surnames of Blakney can include Blakeney, Blackney, Blakin, Blakeny, Blackeney, Blakenie, Blakny, Blakenee, Blaknell, Blakenell, and Bleakeney. Some variants come from a supposed place name, possibly from Blakeney in Norfolk or Gloucestershire, England. This surname is believed to be of old English origin, likely coming from a combination of two words: "blaec" meaning "black" and "aeg" meaning "island". The variations in the spellings likely stem from the phonetic interpretations and handwritten records keeping over the centuries.
In some cases, it's also seen to have been Anglicized when families migrated to English speaking countries, leading to even more diversity in the spelling and formatting of the surname. The spellings have also evolved due to regional dialects and the influence of other cultures on language. Surnames related to Blakney can also potentially include those with similar themes, like Black or Blake, although their origins may be distinct.
Famous people with the name Blakney
- Will Blakney: Television producer and actor best known for his work on the popular TV show, The Late Late Show with James Corden.
- Edmund Blakney: English explorer of the Pacific Ocean best known for his mapping of South America and the establishing of British colonies in both Ecuador and Peru.
- Jed Blakney: Professional American football player who played as a wide receiver in the National Football League.
- Michael Blakney: Canadian politician and mayor of Brampton, Ontario.
- Jack Blakney: British poet and author of several collections of poetry, as well as prose works, including a novel.
- Nick Blakney: Canadian ice hockey goaltender who played for the Calgary Flames of the National Hockey League.
- Wally Blakney: Australian rules footballer who played with the Richmond Football Club in the Victorian Football League during the late 1970s and early 1980s.
- Chris Blakney: British record producer and the founder of 'Dangerous Records'.
- Paul Blakney: British-American microbiologist most well known for his work in microbial physiology and biochemistry.
- Bob Blakney: American artist and illustrator known for his airbrush works of art that featured a range of different subject matter.