How common is the Blake surname?

There are approximately 165,000 people with the surname Blake in the United States.

Are there Blake soldiers in Civil War records?

Yes, 1,960 soldiers with the Blake surname appear in Civil War records.

Blake

Q: What does the surname Blake mean?

The surname Blake means "A descriptive surname referring to someone with pale or fair complexion, or alternatively someone who was dark.". It is of Old English origin.

Descriptive

Meaning

A descriptive surname referring to someone with pale or fair complexion, or alternatively someone who was dark.

Etymology

Derived from Old English 'blæc' (dark) or 'blac' (pale), with the meaning varying by regional usage. The ambiguity arose from dialectal differences in medieval England.

About the Blake Surname

Blake represents a variant form of Black with similar origins but potentially opposite meanings depending on regional interpretation. The surname gained prominence through notable historical figures and has remained consistently used.

Distribution & Frequency

Estimated 165,000 bearers in the United States #278 most common surname

Rare Common

Common throughout England and Wales, with notable presence in Ireland and North America.

Blake Surname Distribution

Geographic distribution based on Civil War military records.

Fewer

May Blake

Quick Facts

Origin: Old English
Classification: Descriptive
Estimated Bearers: 165,000

War Records

1,960 soldiers with the Blake surname found in Civil War records.

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