UK surname
An English surname derived from the Old English words blæc (black) and sunu (son), meaning "son of the dark-complexioned man."
In the 1881 census there were 11 people recorded with the Blackson surname, ranking it #32,081 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 20, ranked #36,679, down from #32,081 in 1881.
The strongest historical links point to Eccles, Dundee, Liff, Benvie and Invergowry and Wigan. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include No data.
Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Blackson is 126 in 1861. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 81.8%.
1881 census count
11
Ranked #32,081
Modern count
20
2016, ranked #36,679
Peak year
1861
126 bearers
Map years
1
1861 to 1861
Key insights
Map
Back to topThe map shows where the Blackson surname is concentrated in each census or modern distribution year. Darker areas mean a stronger local concentration.
Distribution map
Blackson surname density by area, 1861 census.
Timeline
Back to topThe table below tracks recorded surname counts and rank from the 19th-century census years through the modern adult-register period.
| Year | Period | Count | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1851 | historical | 26 | #28,667 |
| 1861 | historical | 126 | #17,569 |
| 1881 | historical | 11 | #32,081 |
| 1891 | historical | 46 | #30,657 |
| 1901 | historical | 2 | #34,263 |
| 1911 | historical | 5 | #33,427 |
| 1997 | modern | 12 | #36,785 |
| 1998 | modern | 15 | #36,457 |
| 1999 | modern | 15 | #36,476 |
| 2000 | modern | 14 | #36,522 |
| 2001 | modern | 12 | #36,612 |
| 2002 | modern | 14 | #36,484 |
| 2003 | modern | 11 | #36,842 |
| 2004 | modern | 15 | #36,530 |
| 2005 | modern | 13 | #36,833 |
| 2006 | modern | 15 | #36,707 |
| 2007 | modern | 14 | #36,886 |
| 2008 | modern | 13 | #37,056 |
| 2009 | modern | 13 | #37,140 |
| 2010 | modern | 16 | #36,937 |
| 2011 | modern | 16 | #36,932 |
| 2012 | modern | 23 | #36,366 |
| 2013 | modern | 16 | #36,955 |
| 2014 | modern | 16 | #36,974 |
| 2015 | modern | 18 | #36,809 |
| 2016 | modern | 20 | #36,679 |
Geography
Back to topHistorical parish links are strongest around Eccles, Dundee, Liff, Benvie and Invergowry, Wigan, Barnes and Boxford, Groton. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.
The modern local-area list points to No data. Treat these as concentration signals, not proof that every family line began there.
| Rank | Parish | Area |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eccles | Lancashire |
| 2 | Dundee, Liff, Benvie and Invergowry | Forfar |
| 3 | Wigan | Lancashire |
| 4 | Barnes | Surrey |
| 5 | Boxford, Groton | Suffolk |
| Rank | Area | District |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | No data | No data |
Forenames
Back to topThese lists show first names that appear often with the Blackson surname in historical and recent records.
Recent female names
Recent male names
Modern profile
Back to topModern surname records can be compared with neighbourhood classifications. For Blackson, this points to the kinds of places where the surname is most concentrated today.
These neighbourhood labels describe areas, not individual people. They are useful because surnames often cluster through family history, migration, housing patterns and local work. A surname can be strongest in one type of neighbourhood even when people with that name live across the country.
The UK classification gives the national picture. The London classification is more specific to the capital, where housing, age profile, tenure and population mix can look quite different from the rest of the UK.
UK neighbourhood type
Supergroup
No data
Group
No data
Nationally, the Blackson surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as No data, within No data. This does not mean every Blackson household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.
London neighbourhood type
Supergroup
No data
Group
No data
Within London, Blackson is most associated with areas classed as No data, part of No data. This gives the surname a London-specific profile rather than forcing the capital into the same pattern as the rest of the country.
Broadband speed
The modern neighbourhood pattern for Blackson is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of No data.
Area snapshot
This describes the area pattern most associated with Blackson, not the ethnicity of every person with the surname.
Origin
Back to topThe surname BLACKSON originated in England during the late medieval period, around the 13th or 14th century. It is believed to have derived from the Old English words "blæc" meaning "black" and "sunu" meaning "son," suggesting it was initially a descriptive name for someone with dark hair or complexion who was the son of someone with a similar physical trait.
One of the earliest recorded instances of the name can be found in the Subsidy Rolls of Worcestershire from 1327, which mentions a "Willelmus Blackesone." This indicates that variations of the spelling, such as "Blackesone" and "Blackson," were already in use during that time.
The BLACKSON surname is also linked to several place names in England, such as Blackson's Farm in Gloucestershire and Blackson's Manor in Oxfordshire. These locations may have been associated with early bearers of the name, contributing to its geographical distribution and variations.
In the 15th century, records show a notable figure named John Blackson (c. 1420-1485), a wealthy landowner and merchant from Bristol. His descendants continued to hold prominent positions in the city for several generations.
Another significant individual with the BLACKSON surname was Sir William Blackson (1568-1644), a member of the English gentry and a supporter of the Royalist cause during the English Civil War.
During the 17th century, the BLACKSON family had established roots in various parts of England, including Yorkshire, where records mention a Robert Blackson (1632-1705), a successful farmer and landowner.
In the 18th century, James Blackson (1712-1779) was a renowned clockmaker in London, known for his innovative timepiece designs and techniques.
The 19th century saw the rise of Sarah Blackson (1826-1903), a prominent educator and advocate for women's rights. She founded several schools and played a significant role in advancing educational opportunities for girls in Britain.
Throughout its history, the BLACKSON surname has been carried by individuals from various walks of life, including merchants, landowners, artisans, and activists, contributing to the rich tapestry of English heritage.
Sourced from namecensus.com.
1881 census detail
Back to topThese tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Blackson surname. Use the location tables for concentration, then the name and occupation tables for the people behind the surname.
Total is the county count. Frequency and index adjust for local population size, so they are better concentration signals. Yorkshire leads with 7 Blacksons recorded in 1881 and an index of 6.59x.
| County | Total | Index |
|---|---|---|
| Yorkshire | 7 | 6.59x |
| Lancashire | 2 | 1.57x |
| Cheshire | 1 | 4.22x |
| Sussex | 1 | 5.53x |
Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Cherry Burton in Yorkshire leads with 3 Blacksons recorded in 1881 and an index of 15000.00x.
| Place | Total | Index |
|---|---|---|
| Cherry Burton | 3 | 15000.00x |
| Headingley Cum Burley | 3 | 441.18x |
| Rusholme | 2 | 588.24x |
| East Grinstead | 1 | 384.62x |
| Fridaythorpe | 1 | 10000.00x |
| Macclesfield | 1 | 95.24x |
These are the female first names most often recorded with the Blackson surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.
These are the male first names most often recorded with the Blackson surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.
Occupational titles are kept as recorded and later transcribed, so related jobs, spelling variants and mistakes stay separate. Scholar was the census term for a child in education. That means the other rows often tell you more about adult work in Blackson households.
| Occupation | Count |
|---|---|
| Agr Farm Labourer | 1 |
| Belt Sewer | 1 |
| Farm AG Laborer | 1 |
| Farm AG Wife | 1 |
| Housekeeper (Dom) | 1 |
| Joiner | 1 |
| Labourer | 1 |
FAQ
In 1881, 11 people were recorded with the Blackson surname. That placed it at #32,081 in the surname rankings for that year.
The latest modern count shown here is 20 in 2016. That gives Blackson a modern rank of #36,679.
An English surname derived from the Old English words blæc (black) and sunu (son), meaning "son of the dark-complexioned man."
The map shows local surname concentration for the selected year. Darker areas have a stronger concentration of Blackson bearers relative to the surrounding population.
The historical counts come from census surname records. The modern counts and neighbourhood summaries come from later surname distribution records. Counts are recorded bearers in those records, not a live estimate of everyone with the name today.