Blakely

Blakely is the transferred use of an English surname originating from place names, specifically various hamlets in the counties of Lancashire and Yorkshire (Blackley and Blakeley). These small villages derive their name from the Olde English words “blæc” (dark, burnt) and “lēah” (open field, meadow) which would have described a “dark meadow”. The place from which a person hailed (i.e., their birthplace) became an effective form of identification, especially if he moved to another village. Once a person relocated and became a stranger in a new town, Adam from Blakeleye might henceforth be referred to as Adam de Blakeleye (which happens to be the first spelling of this particular surname recorded in the late 13th century). People in medieval England were also assigned surnames derived from their occupations; their nicknames; distinguishing characteristics or physical attributes; or from the personal name of one of their parents (usually the father). A surname derived from a location name (like Blakely) was one of the most common types of surnames. Blakely does not have a long history of usage as a first name. In fact, they just started using it for baby girls in the United States and for boys in Australia.