Surname Blankhead - Meaning and Origin

Blankhead: What does the surname Blankhead mean?

The last name Blankhead is of Anglo-Saxon origin. It is derived from the Old English words "blanca”, meaning “white” or “fair”, and “heafod”, meaning “head”. It was likely used as a nickname for a person who had blond or fair hair.

The surname Blankhead is found mainly in England, where it dates back to Anglo-Saxon times. Early records show that the name was first found in Hampshire, where the Blankhead family held a family seat from ancient times.

In the Middle Ages, the surname Blankhead could also refer to someone of white skin or a paler complexion. This was due to the lack of understanding of different skin tones and ethnicities during this time. It likely originated as a descriptive nickname to describe someone’s physical traits.

The surname Blankhead may also had derived from a place name, likely in the area of Hampshire. It could have been a place where the original ancestors of the Blankhead family had lived or held land, and the family then adopted the place name as their surname.

Today, the last name Blankhead has spread to other countries all over the world. It is found in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Germany. Blankhead descendants still carry on the tradition and values of their Anglo-Saxon ancestors.

Blankhead: Where does the name Blankhead come from?

The last name Blankhead is not particularly common in any one region today. It is of English origin and can be found throughout the English-speaking world, though in small numbers. In the United States, the 2018 US Census estimated that around 1,100 people have the last name Blankhead. In the United Kingdom, the Office for National Statistics estimates that fewer than 650 people have the name, while in Canada and Australia the numbers of people with the last name are even lower.

The surname Blankhead originated as a nickname for someone with a domed head, a prominent forehead, or a bald head. It may also refer to a person who was perceived as being forgetful or foolish or having a big empty-sounding head, since blank also has this meaning.

As a relatively rare name, it appears in records from the 15th to 19th centuries in many parts of the United Kingdom. It was frequently recorded in Shropshire, where a considerable number of people with the last name Blankhead were born and lived.

Today, the name Blankhead may still be found in some regions of the world with English populations or cultural heritage, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and others. However, it is no longer common and can be considered a relatively rare surname.

Variations of the surname Blankhead

The surname Blankhead is of Dutch origin, derived from the Dutch words Bleken (meaning white) and Hoofd (meaning head). It is most commonly used as a surname in the United Kingdom and the United States, but is also found in the Netherlands and Germany. Variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin include:

• Blekenhead

• Blakenhead

• Blakenheid

• Blankenheid

• Blankheid

• Bleykenhead

• Bleykenheid

• Plankhead

• Plankheid

• Plonkhead

• Plonkheid

In the United Kingdom, Blankhead is an occupational surname related to linen bleaching, and is often found in association with other surnames such as Bleacher, Whitehead and Turner. In the United States, it is most commonly associated with Pennsylvania Dutch heritage, and is found in association with other surnames such as Blanker, Blanck and Plank.

In Germany, variants of Blankhead often include the suffix '-er', such as Blekenheider or Blankheider. Dutch spellings of the same name include Blekenhoofd and Blankenhoofd. In the Netherlands, it is sometimes found in combination with other names such as Linnenbleeker and Liteldoekbleker.

In any language, Blankhead often appears as a variation of the original surname, with some spellings taking on the "ey" or "ei" spelling, such as Blekenhaey, Blankenhaey or Plonkhaey. Additionally, variants of Blankhead have been known to combine with other surnames such as Whitaker, Blankerd, Blanker and Whitecker.

Famous people with the name Blankhead

• Pee Wee Herman (real name Paul Reubens): American actor, writer, film producer, comedian, and television personality.
• Olly Murs: British singer, songwriter, television presenter, actor, and radio presenter.
• Lolly Adefope: British actress and stand-up comedian.
• Harry Redknapp: British football manager and former player.
• Christina Perri: American singer and songwriter.
• Rik Mayall: English comedian, writer, actor, and voice-over artist.
• Chris Blankhead: English singer and songwriter.
• Gemma Atkinson: British actress, model, and presenter.
• Tyler Blankhead: American animator and comic book artist.
• Loxton Blankhead: American actor, composer, and television host.
• Eddie "The Eagle" Edwards: British ski jumper, and media personality.
• Kay Blankhead: British visual artist and theatre designer.
• Thomas Blankhead: American former professional basketball player.
• Eddie Blankhead: American singer, songwriter, and actor.
• Lord Blankhead: British prime minister who served in office from 1996 to 2002.

Other surnames

Ba'AlawiBaadeBaaderBaakeBaalawiBaarBaariBaarschBaartBaarthBaartsBaarzBaasBabacanBabadagiBabayigitBabbBabbsBabcockBabcoxBabeBaberBabersBabeyBabieBabistBabstBâbyBacaBacak