Blackbird History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Etymology of Blackbird

What does the name Blackbird mean?

Blackbird is a name whose history is entwined with the ancient Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. It was a name for a man with a black beard.

Early Origins of the Blackbird family

The surname Blackbird was first found in Hampshire, where evidence suggests they held a family seat before the Norman Conquest.

Early History of the Blackbird family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Blackbird research. Another 178 words (13 lines of text) covering the years 1066, 1206, 1273, 1275, 1279, 1379, 1397, 1399, 1612 and 1721 are included under the topic Early Blackbird History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Blackbird 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 Blackbird were recorded, including Blackbeard, Blackbird, Blachebiert, Blacberd, Blakeberd, Blakebird and many more.

Early Notables of the Blackbird family

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

Migration of the Blackbird family

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 Blackbird family emigrate to North America: a number of settlers who migrated to the New World and contributed to the development of North American society.

Contemporary Notables of the name Blackbird (post 1700) +

Lewis Blackbird (b. 1987), British former motorcycle speedway rider
Andrew Jackson Blackbird (1814-1908), Canadian tribe leader and historian, best known for his 1887 book, "History of the Ottawa and Chippewa Indians of Michigan"