Blackmon
What is the origin of the last name Blackmon?
Meaning and origin
The last name Blackmon is of English origin and is derived from the Old English word "blæc" meaning "black" and the word "mund" meaning "protection." It is believed to have originally been a descriptive name given to someone with dark complexion or dark hair. Over time, the name Blackmon has evolved and various spelling variations such as Blackman and Blackmun have emerged.
The longer story
The last name *Blackmon* is of English origin and is classified as a surname of habitational origin, meaning that it derived from a place name. In this case, the surname *Blackmon* is believed to be derived from the Old English word *blæc*, meaning "black," and *mōn*, meaning "hill." Therefore, the name *Blackmon* can be interpreted to mean "black hill" or "dark hill."
Historically, the surname *Blackmon* is most commonly found in the United States, particularly in the southeastern region of the country. This suggests that the name may have originated or been brought to America during the colonial period or through subsequent immigration waves. The variation in spelling of the name, such as *BLAKEMON* or *BLAKEMAN*, can be attributed to differences in pronunciation or the influence of regional accents over time.
The diversity of occupations associated with the name indicates that the surname was not limited to a specific social or occupational group. It is noteworthy that the name *Blackmon* has also been found among individuals of African American descent, suggesting that it may have been adopted by formerly enslaved people or their descendants in some cases.
Surname origins are rarely settled: one spelling can have several sources, and families often took a name for reasons nobody wrote down. Check it against the sources below before you rely on it.
#1,628
Blackmon was the 1,628th most common surname in the 2010 US Census, with 22,130 people, about 7.2 in every 100,000.
Who carries it
Surnames like Blackmon
Names it is linked with, then names with the same origin and a similar standing.
Check the sources
- Forebears: where Blackmon is found around the world
- The Internet Surname Database: a second opinion on the origin
- US Census Bureau: the 2010 surname figures used here
For a name you are serious about, compare the dictionaries: Reaney and Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames; Hanks, Dictionary of American Family Names.