Surname Blakely - Meaning and Origin
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I delved into my genetic heritage through a DNA test at iGENEA. The experience enriched my knowledge of my Blakely lineage, providing a detailed snapshot of my ancestry and the geographical migration of my forebears. The test allowed me the opportunity to understand the traditions, culture, and deep history associated with the Blakely name.
V. Blakely
read moreBlakely: What does the surname Blakely mean?
The surname Blakely is of Anglo-Saxon origin and holds two potential meanings derived from Old English. Firstly, it could mean "dark wood" or "dark clearing," coming from the words "blaec", meaning "black" or "dark," and “leah”, meaning "wood", "clearing", or "meadow". This suggests that the original bearers of the name may have lived or worked in or near a dark forest or clearing. Alternatively, it could be derived from the place-name Blakely, located in Greater Manchester in England, indicating a geographical origin. It's important to remember that in past times, family names often indicated geographical origin, profession, or a personal characteristic. Therefore, someone bearing the surname Blakely today likely has ancestral ties to those who originally carried the name, whether based on their place of origin or perhaps having lived or worked in a dark wooded area.
Order DNA origin analysisBlakely: Where does the name Blakely come from?
The surname Blakely is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is derived from a place name. It is a habitation name from any of various places, such as those in Cumbria, Staffordshire, and Yorkshire, named from Old English 'blaec' meaning 'black', 'dark' or 'swarthy', and 'leah' meaning 'wood', 'clearing', or 'meadow'. Thus, the name could essentially translate to 'dark wood' or 'dark clearing'. The earliest recorded spelling of the family name, dating back to 1246, is shown to be that of Thomas de Blakeley.
In the modern era, the surname Blakely is most common in the United States, according to data from Forebears. It's also found in a smaller number in England, Canada, Australia and Scotland. According to the 2014 US Whitepages database, it is particularly prevalent in the states of Texas, California, and Ohio.The name has also seen popularity in Northern Ireland. Its variations such as Blakeley or Blakley are distributed similarly. Regardless, the places where this surname appears are likely connected to the migration patterns of those originally bearing the Blakely name.
Variations of the surname Blakely
The name Blakely is of English origin and it is considered a locational surname derived from either of two places in Northumberland and Lancashire. In addition to the conventional spelling "Blakely", there are several alternate spellings, variants, and related surnames, arising from regional pronunciations, transcription errors, and phonetic spellings. Some of them are:
- Blakley: This variant is pronounced in the same way as Blakely but omits the middle 'e'.
- Blakeley: This version adds an 'e' before the 'y', suggesting a different regional pronunciation.
- Bleakley: It replaces the 'a' with an 'e' and is a common variant of Blakely.
- Blackely, Blackley, Blackly: These versions start with 'Black' instead of 'Blake', a more phonetic spelling.
- Blakelie, Blakleigh: These variations add extra letters to the end, probably reflecting a different pronunciation.
- Blaekeley: A relatively uncommon spelling, this version alters the vowel sounds significantly.
- Bleakly, Bleackley: These examples are anglicized forms and might reflect spelling errors as much as deliberate variation.
It's important to remember that surname adaptations can evolve over many centuries due to factors like migration, the spoken dialect, and literacy levels. Hence, the specific origin of each variant could be unique and specific to individual family branches.
Famous people with the name Blakely
- Sara Blakely: An American businesswoman and founder of Spanx, a company that primarily sells undergarment shapewear.
- James Blakely: An American professional football player who competed in the NFL during the early 1930s.
- Scott Blakely: A former professional ice hockey player from Canada. He played as a right winger in the National Hockey League (NHL) for Edmonton Oilers.
- John Arthur Blakely: A British boxer who was a former European Light Welterweight Champion.
- Sue Blakely: An American actress and model, best known for her leading role in the 1980 mini-series "Rich Man, Poor Man."
- Lisa Blakely: An American television news anchor and reporter who mainly worked for CNN Headline News.
- Ray Blakely: A prominent English stage and television actor.
- George Blakely: Is a retired professional basketball player from the U.S. who spent most of his career playing in the Philippines.
- Michael Blakely: An American author known for his adventurous and romantic stories.
- Robert Blakely: An American graphic designer, best known for creating the United States' fallout shelter signage during the Cold War.