Blanche

Blanche is an Anglo-Norman surname of French origin, believed to have been introduced to England after the Norman Conquest of 1066. The surname is derived from the Old French word "blanc," meaning white, fair, or shining.

Origin

The surname Blanche is assumed to have been used as a nickname to describe someone with fair or light-coloured hair, complexion, or clothing. It is likely that the name was bestowed upon an individual identified by these physical characteristics.

Distribution

The surname Blanche is predominantly found in southern England, particularly in counties such as Kent, Sussex, and Hampshire. Over time, the surname may have spread to other parts of the country due to migrations and population movements.

Notable Individuals

There have been several notable individuals bearing the surname Blanche throughout history, including:

  • Vivian Blanche, a prominent figure in the field of literature during the 19th century.
  • Edmund Blanche, a renowned architect known for his contributions to Gothic Revival architecture in England.
  • Isabella Blanche, a social reformer and philanthropist who dedicated her life to improving the welfare of the less fortunate.

References

For further information about the surname Blanche and its historical significance, one may consult genealogical records, historical archives, and relevant literature. The surname's presence in various historical documents and its association with notable figures underscore its enduring legacy in British history and culture.

There are approximately 648 people named Blanche in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around ten in a million people in Britain are named Blanche.

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Darren
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Jonathan
  • Michael
  • Nicholas
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Richard
  • Stephen
  • Steven
  • William

Female

  • Catherine
  • Elizabeth
  • Gemma
  • Jacqueline
  • Laura-ann
  • Linda
  • Lisa
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Ruth
  • Sarah
  • Sharon
  • Susan

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

BritishSurnames.uk is a Good Stuff website.