Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • First Name Meanings
      • Last Name Meanings
      • Individual Records Search
      • Family Trees Support
      • Start a New Tree
      • Upload a GEDCOM
      Loading
      • Search All Records
      • Census & Electoral Rolls
      • Birth, Marriage & Death, including Parish
      • Military
      • Wills & Probate
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Schools, Directories & Church Histories
      • Public Member Trees
      • Card Catalogue
      • Member Search
      Memories
      Loading
      • Register a kit
      • AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
      • Traits Learning Hub
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA® Support
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Discover More Family Names with an Ancestry 14-day Free Trial* 
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Blog
      • About Us
      • Site Map
      • Gift Memberships
      • Careers
        • Ancestry Corporate
        • Fold3.com
        • ForcesWarRecords.com
        • Geneanet.org
        • Newspapers.com
        • ProGenealogists.com
        • RootsWeb.com
      • © 2002-2026 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Cookies
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company
      Group of people

      Meaning of the first name Blackburn

      Origin

      English

      Meaning

      Near the Dark-Colored Stream

      Variations

      Abla
      The name Blackburn has its origins in England and is derived from the Old English words blc and burna, which collectively mean near the dark-colored stream. This toponymic name was typically given to individuals who dwelled near or were associated with a stream or river with dark or murky waters.

      Throughout history, the name Blackburn appears in various records, indicating its longstanding usage. During the medieval period, it was commonly found among the inhabitants of Lancashire, particularly in the town of Blackburn. The name Blackburn is also associated with the city of Edinburgh, Scotland, where the Blackburn Burn or Black Burn flows. This indicates that some bearers of the name may have migrated from England to Scotland, carrying their name with them.

      In modern-day usage, the name Blackburn can be found not only in England and Scotland but also in other English-speaking countries worldwide. Many individuals with the name Blackburn can be traced back to their English or Scottish ancestry, reflecting the historical roots of this name. It is also possible to find individuals with the name Blackburn who have no direct ancestral connection to England or Scotland, as names often spread through migration or adoption. However, this name's origins in connection to a dark-colored stream remain constant, serving as a reminder of its etymological significance.

      Based on our records...

      Akers

      Akers

      This is the most common surname associated with Blackburn.
      Elizabeth

      Elizabeth

      This is the most common name of those married to a Blackburn.
      William

      William

      This is the most common name for a child of a Blackburn.
      Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. - © Mapbox - © OpenStreetMap - Improve this map

      What are you curious about?

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Start a free trial
      Order AncestryDNA
      calendar.webp
      Based on our records...

      Did you know?

      1768 is when there were the most people born with the first name Blackburn.

      Explore the origins of another name.