Blezard History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

The name Blezard is derived from the Middle English word "iblescede", which roughly means "to make sacred," in the sense "happy, fortunate." From 1300 onwards the word occurs as blisced, blissed, a form surviving, no doubt in Blissett, which may also derive from a woman’s name: Blissot atte Pole which appears in the Subsidy Rolls of Somerset in 1327. 1

Early Origins of the Blezard family

The surname Blezard was first found in Oxfordshire where the Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 list Hugh de Blesset as hold lands there at that time. The same source lists the forename Bissot. 2

Later in Cornwall, we found Alicia Iblessed in 1297 and in Staffordshire, we found John de Blessed in the Subsidy Rolls for 1327. 1

Early History of the Blezard family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Blezard research. Another 53 words (4 lines of text) covering the year 1752 is included under the topic Early Blezard History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Blezard Spelling Variations

Before the last few hundred years, the English language had no fast system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations are commonly found in early Anglo-Saxon surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Blezard were recorded, including Blessed, Blisset, Blissit, Blizard, Blizzard, Blissett and many more.

Early Notables of the Blezard family

More information is included under the topic Early Blezard Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Blezard migration to Canada +

To escape oppression and starvation at that time, many English families left for the "open frontiers" of the New World with all its perceived opportunities. In droves people migrated to the many British colonies, those in North America in particular, paying high rates for passages in cramped, unsafe ships. Although many of the settlers did not make the long passage alive, those who did see the shores of North America perceived great opportunities before them. Many of the families that came from England went on to make essential contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. Research into various historical records revealed some of first members of the Blezard family emigrate to North America:

Blezard Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

John Blezard, who settled in Ontario in 1819
Thomas Blezard, who settled in Ontario in 1871

Citations +

Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)