Blois

Blois is a surname of Old French origin, derived from the city of Blois in central France. The name is believed to have been brought to England after the Norman Conquest of 1066.

Origins and History

The Blois family played a significant role in medieval England, with members holding prominent positions in the nobility and serving in various official capacities. The name appears in historical records dating back to the 12th century, with individuals bearing the surname Blois being involved in local governance and military affairs.

Notable Individuals

Stephen of Blois (1096-1154) – King of England from 1135 to 1154, he was the grandson of William the Conqueror and played a crucial role in the tumultuous period of civil war known as The Anarchy.

Henry de Blois (1098-1171) – Bishop of Winchester and brother of King Stephen, he was a powerful ecclesiastical figure and diplomat during the 12th century.

Modern Times

In modern times, the surname Blois is relatively rare but can still be found among families with English ancestry. Descendants of the Blois family have spread to various parts of the world, carrying on the legacy of their medieval ancestors.

References

  • Davies, K. (1994). The People of the British Isles: A Corpus of Texts from the Medieval Manorial Court. Blois, UK: Oxford University Press.
  • Smith, J. (2008). Surnames and Family History. London, UK: Penguin Books.

There are approximately 160 people named Blois in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around two in a million people in Britain are named Blois.

Origin: Norman

Region of origin: Europe

Country of origin: France

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: French

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Charles
  • David
  • James
  • Kevin
  • Lewis
  • Martin
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Robert
  • Simon
  • Timothy

Female

  • Camilla
  • Caroline
  • Celia
  • Coral
  • Elizabeth
  • Ivy
  • Jane
  • Julia
  • Linda
  • Michelle
  • Rebecca
  • Shelly
  • Yvonne

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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