Blackforthay History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Etymology of Blackforthay

What does the name Blackforthay mean?

The Anglo-Saxon name Blackforthay comes from the family having resided in one of two places called Blackford, both in the county of Somerset. One was a parish near Wincanton, while the other was a chapelry in the parish of Wedmore, near Axbridge. The name is derived from black ford, indicating a dark place in which there was a river crossing.

Early Origins of the Blackforthay family

The surname Blackforthay was first found in Somerset where they held a family seat from very ancient times, some say well before the Norman Conquest and the arrival of Duke William at Hastings in 1066 A.D.

Early History of the Blackforthay family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Blackforthay research. Another 95 words (7 lines of text) covering the year 1700 is included under the topic Early Blackforthay History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Blackforthay Spelling Variations

Blackforthay has been spelled many different ways. Before English spelling became standardized over the last few hundred years, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. As the English language changed in the Middle Ages, absorbing pieces of Latin and French, as well as other languages, the spelling of people's names also changed considerably, even over a single lifetime. Spelling variants included: Blackford, Blackforde, Blakeford, Blakford and others.

Early Notables of the Blackforthay family

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

Migration of the Blackforthay family

In an attempt to escape the chaos experienced in England, many English families boarded overcrowded and diseased ships sailing for the shores of North America and other British colonies. Those families hardy enough, and lucky enough, to make the passage intact were rewarded with land and a social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families became important contributors to the young colonies in which they settled. Early immigration and passenger lists have documented some of the first Blackforthays to arrive on North American shores: Mary Blackford who settled in Virginia in 1649; George Blackford who settled in Charles Town [Charleston], South Carolina in 1635; was strongly involved in the development of Barnstable and Cape Cod..