Bligh

Bligh is a British surname of Cornish origin, derived from the Old English personal name Blīw meaning blithe or cheerful. The name is closely associated with the South West of England, particularly Cornwall, where the Bligh family was known to have resided.

One of the most notable figures bearing the surname Bligh is Captain William Bligh (1754–1817), a British naval officer who is best remembered for the infamous mutiny on the HMS Bounty in 1789. Bligh's career also includes his service as Governor of New South Wales in Australia.

Over the centuries, the name Bligh has spread beyond Cornwall to various parts of the United Kingdom and the wider world, with individuals bearing the surname making significant contributions in fields such as academia, politics, and the arts.

Today, Bligh remains a relatively uncommon but distinguished surname, with those who bear it often tracing their ancestry back to the historic lands of Cornwall.

There are approximately 1,234 people named Bligh in the UK. That makes it roughly the 6,283rd most common surname in Britain. Around 19 in a million people in Britain are named Bligh.

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Chris
  • Christopher
  • David
  • James
  • Jerry
  • John
  • Jonathon
  • Michael
  • Nick
  • Peter
  • Philip
  • Robert
  • Simon

Female

  • Caroline
  • Charlotte
  • Dawn
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Jacqueline
  • Lisa
  • Margaret
  • Nicola
  • Sarah
  • Susan

Similar and related surnames

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

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