Find out how popular the last name Bleké is in the United States and learn more about the meaning, history, and race and ethnic origin of people in America who are named Bleké.

Bleké, like all of the last names we have data for, is identified by the U.S. Census Bureau as a surname which has more than 100 occurrences in the United States in the Decennial Census survey. The most recent statistics we have for the Bleké surname is from the 2000 census data.

Popularity of Bleké in America

Bleké is the 146011th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Bleké surname appeared 104 times in the 2000 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname Bleké.

The history of the last name Bleké

The surname Bleke is of European origin, specifically rooted in medieval England. The name is believed to have emerged during the Middle Ages, in the regions now known as East Anglia and the Midlands. It is likely derived from the Old English word "blæc," which means black or dark in color, possibly referring to a person with dark hair or a dark complexion.

The earliest records of the surname Bleke can be found in various historical documents from the 12th and 13th centuries. One notable record is from the Domesday Book of 1086, wherein a similar name, "Blecen," was documented in the county of Suffolk. This suggests that the progenitors of this surname were present in England shortly after the Norman Conquest.

By the 14th century, the name began appearing in various legal and property documents. An example is Richard Bleke, an inhabitant of Worcester, who was mentioned in tax records from the year 1327. These records provide evidence that the surname was becoming established and recognized in several parts of the country.

Another historical figure, John Bleke of Warwickshire, is noted in the 15th century. John Bleke, who lived around 1450, was known for his engagement in local politics and governance. His involvement in several court cases of the period is noted in local judicial records, enhancing our understanding of the name’s geographical and social spread.

In the 16th century, Thomas Bleke served as a respected tradesman in London. Born around 1540, he is recorded in the Merchant Taylors' Company archives. His career and reputation make him a significant figure in the history of the name, demonstrating its presence in urban and commercial contexts.

The 17th century saw the name Bleke bear witness to the burgeoning scientific endeavors of the period. William Bleke, born circa 1610, was a physician and a contemporary of the early Royal Society members. His manuscripts and correspondence with other intellectuals indicate a person rooted in the scientific and medical advancements of his time.

Moving into the 18th century, Elizabeth Bleke, born in 1698, is noted for her extensive diaries that provide a valuable insight into the life and times of the period. Elizabeth’s writings, preserved in regional archives, reveal much about the social customs, domestic life, and the local community in Somerset during her lifetime.

From these instances, it is evident that the surname Bleke has traversed various locales within England, and the bearers of the name have been active in diverse fields such as politics, commerce, science, and literature. The historical footprint of the surname Bleke encapsulates a broad spectrum of English social history, reflecting the various roles and contributions of individuals bearing this name.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Bleké

We also have some data on the ancestry of people with the surname Bleké.

The below race categories are the modified race categories used in the Census Bureau's population estimates program. All people were categorized into six mutually exclusive racial and Hispanic origin groups:

1. White only
2. Black only
3. American Indian and Alaskan Native only
4. Asian and Pacific Islander only
5. Hispanic
6. Two or More Races

For the most recent 2000 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Bleké was:

Note: Any fields showing (S) means the data was suppressed for privacy so that the data does not in any way identify any specific individuals.

Data source

The last name data and ethnic breakdown of last names is sourced directly from the Decennial Census survey, conducted every 10 years by the United States Census Bureau.

The history and meaning of the name Bleké was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Bleké, please contact us.

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