Surname Blackwood - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'B'
My iGENEA DNA Test: Unraveling the Brave Legacy and Global Journey of the Blackwoods
Through my recent iGENEA DNA test, I unfolded the captivating story of my Blackwood lineage - a story steeped in ancient Celtic customs, bravery, world migrations, and cultural blends. My surname, linked to the Pictish tribes of ancient Scotland, sang the songs of valor, the magic of folklore, and the tradition of the Scottish Highland games.
G. Blackwood
read moreBlackwood: What does the surname Blackwood mean?
The surname Blackwood is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is a locational name derived from a place named "Blackwood". It is composed of two elements: the Old English word “blaec”, meaning “black,” and “wudu”, meaning “wood”. Therefore, the surname came to denote "dweller at the dark woods" or "one who lives in or near a dark wooded area". It may also suggest a person's occupation or place of origin. Blackwood mostly became a surname for families living in such places in Scotland and England. It can also be found among Irish families, where it was sometimes adopted as an anglicized version of several Gaelic names derived from the word "dubh", which also means "black". The name has many variations including Blackwode, Blakewood, Blacud and others.
Order DNA origin analysisBlackwood: Where does the name Blackwood come from?
The last name Blackwood is of Scottish origin, primarily from the area of Lanarkshire in Scotland. The name was derived from the Old English words "blaec", meaning black, and "wudu", meaning wood. It was initially a locational surname referred to a person who lived near a dark colored wood or forest. Over time, it became a surname passed on within families.
Following the time of the British Empire and subsequent migration, the name has spread around the world. People bearing the Blackwood surname are found in large numbers in English-speaking countries like Scotland, England, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. However, it's important to mention that the highest concentrations of Blackwood families are in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Historically, some prominent people with this surname like Basil Blackwood and Caroline Blackwood have helped make the name more recognized globally. Today, it remains a relatively uncommon name worldwide. Despite that, due to the Anglophone diaspora, the surname has a noticeable presence in various parts of the world.
Variations of the surname Blackwood
Blackwood is a Scottish and English surname that has a few variations and common misspellings. The name translates to "dark forest" in Old English. Variations of Blackwood can include Blackwode, Blakewood, Bleckwood, and similar sounding names. It may also be spelled phonetically, such as Blackwoud or Blaikwood.
Another alternative spellings may stem from a regional dialect or translation, like Schwarzwald for those of German descent or Bosconero for Italians. It is also possible that some branches of the family chose to shorten the name over time, resulting in surnames like Black or Wood.
However, these variations and potential surnames of the same origin may not always be a definitive link to the Blackwood ancestry, as the surnames Black and Wood are also common surnames which may originate from different ancestral lines.
Due to significant British emigration over the centuries, the Blackwood name and its variants may be found across the globe, in places like North America, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. Therefore, there may also be variations of the name that have been influenced by these different cultures.
Famous people with the name Blackwood
- Gary Blackwood: An American author, known for juvenile and young adult literary works like "The Shakespeare Stealer" trilogy.
- Lady Caroline Blackwood: An acclaimed British writer and the heiress to the Guinness fortune.
- Algernon Blackwood: A British writer primarily known for his ghost stories. He was one of the most prolific writers of supernatural stories during the 20th century.
- David Blackwood: A renowned Canadian printmaker and painter famous for his depictions of Newfoundland culture and history.
- Emily Blackwood: An Internet personality and writer who has written for publications like Elite Daily and Today.
- Wes Blackwood: A former member of the band "Scarecrow & Tinmen", he is currently undertaking solo musical work focusing on Christian music.
- Ben Blackwood: An emerging singer-songwriter from the UK who has gained recognition for his soulful pop music.
- Sophie Blackwood: An Australian actress known for her role in the TV series "Spin Out".
- Augustus Blackwood: A fictional character in the TV series "The Order", played by actor Thomas Elms.
- Michael Blackwood: A retired Jamaican sprinter who specialized in the 400 metres.