Blackwell — Last Name Origin & Meaning

English origin Rank #741 in the US 47,175 Americans

US Rank (2010)
#741
▼ Down 68 since 2000
People in the US
47,175
15.99 per 100K people
Origin
English
Old English

Origin & Meaning of the Blackwell Surname

What does the last name Blackwell mean?

The surname Blackwell carries the meaning "From a spring or stream." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 47,175 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Blackwell ranks as the #741 most common surname in the United States.

Where does the surname Blackwell come from?

The Blackwell surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Blackwell name far beyond its original homeland.

Language of Origin

The linguistic roots of Blackwell trace back to Old English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.

English Old English

Quick Facts

Surname Blackwell
Meaning From a spring or stream
Origin English
Language Old English
US Rank (2010) #741
US Count (2010) 47,175
Per 100K People 15.99
First Letter B

Ethnic Distribution of Blackwell

According to the US Census, the Blackwell surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 47,175 Americans with the Blackwell last name.

White 65.69%
Black 28.46%
Hispanic 2.05%
Asian/PI 0.39%
Native American 0.77%
Two+ Races 2.64%
Ethnic distribution of the Blackwell surname in the US (2010 Census)
Ethnicity Percentage
White65.69%
Black28.46%
Hispanic2.05%
Asian/Pacific Islander0.39%
Native American0.77%
Two or More Races2.64%

Popularity of Blackwell Over Time

Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Blackwell surname has changed in prevalence.

Census 2000
#673
46,495 people
Down 68
Census 2010
#741
47,175 people

The number of Americans with the Blackwell surname increased by 680 between 2000 and 2010.

Discover Your Blackwell Ancestry

Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Blackwell ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.

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Similar Surnames to Blackwell

These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Blackwell.

Other English Surnames

Explore more surnames with English roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same English origin as Blackwell.

Frequently Asked Questions About Blackwell

The surname Blackwell is of English origin. From a spring or stream
The surname Blackwell is ranked #741 in the United States with approximately 47,175 people bearing this name as of the 2010 US Census.
From a spring or stream. The name has English roots and has been present in the United States for generations.
According to US Census data, the Blackwell surname is distributed as: 65.7% White, 28.5% Black. This reflects the diverse heritage of Americans with this name.
To trace your Blackwell ancestry, consider using DNA testing services like Ancestry.com, 23andMe, or MyHeritage. These services can connect you with relatives and reveal your ethnic heritage and migration patterns.

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