The origins of the Blocks surname are uncertain, but some scholars suggest that the source of the name is the Old English term "bloc," and that the name was originally occupational for "one who blocks," such as a shoemaker or bookbinder.
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Early Origins of the Blocks family
The surname Blocks was first found in Wiltshire where they held a family seat with estates in that shire. The Saxon influence of English history diminished after the Battle of Hastings in 1066. The language of the courts was French for the next three centuries and the Norman ambience prevailed. The first found reference to the Blocks surname was in the year 1199 when Robert Bloc was listed in the Curia Regis Rolls for Wiltshire.
Early History of the Blocks family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Blocks research. Another 117 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1212, 1275, 1327, 1359, 1455 and 1487 are included under the topic Early Blocks History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Blocks Spelling Variations
Until quite recently, the English language has lacked a definite system of spelling rules. Consequently, Anglo-Saxon surnames are characterized by a multitude of spelling variations. Changes in Anglo-Saxon names were influenced by the evolution of the English language, as it incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other languages. Although Medieval scribes and church officials recorded names as they sounded, so it is common to find one person referred to by several different spellings of his surname, even the most literate people varied the spelling of their own names. Variations of the name Blocks include Bloggs, Blogg, Block, Blocks, Blox, Blogs and others.
Early Notables of the Blocks family
More information is included under the topic Early Blocks Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
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Migration of the Blocks family
Searching for a better life, many English families migrated to British colonies. Unfortunately, the majority of them traveled under extremely harsh conditions: overcrowding on the ships caused the majority of the immigrants to arrive diseased, famished, and destitute from the long journey across the ocean. For those families that arrived safely, modest prosperity was attainable, and many went on to make invaluable contributions to the development of the cultures of the new colonies. Research into the origins of individual families in North America revealed records of the immigration of a number of people bearing the name Blocks or a variant listed above: John Blogg, who settled in Virginia in 1650; Albert Block, who came to Maryland in 1673; Elizabeth Block, who arrived in Maryland in 1680; Frances Block, who came to Virginia in 1714.
