Irish Surname - Blewitt
The surname Blewitt (also spelled Bluett, Blewit, Blewett, and other variations) is believed to have Norman origins, introduced into England after the Norman Conquest of 1066. It is thought to derive from the place name "Blouet" in Calvados, Normandy but could also be from the Old French term "bleuet" or "blouet." This term translates to "bluish," a diminutive of "bleu" meaning "blue." The nickname likely described someone with fair hair, pale skin, or perhaps a bluish complexion. The Normans brought this surname to England, and from there, it spread to Wales and Ireland, adapting and evolving in spelling and pronunciation over the centuries.
In England, the Blewitt surname has been found in historical records dating back to the medieval period, with bearers of the name often belonging to the gentry or landowning classes. Over time, some families with this surname migrated to Ireland when Anglo-Norman knights acquired lands in Ireland throughout the 12th and 13th centuries. Some of these knights, like Ralph Bloet who held land in Hampshire (later known as Hinton Blewett), possessed the Blewitt surname. Their descendants, particularly Thomas and Ralph Bluet, established themselves in counties Cork and Limerick around the mid-13th century.
The movement of people between England, Wales, and Ireland throughout history due to economic opportunities, military campaigns, and other factors contributed to the spread and adaptation of surnames, making the exact origins and evolution of names like Blewitt multifaceted. This cross-pollination of cultures and names across the British Isles underscores the rich tapestry of heritage that characterises surnames in this region.
In Ireland, the Blewitts are primarily found in the province of Connacht, particularly in County Mayo, reflecting a rich heritage tied to the western part of the island.
Interesting People with the Surname Blewitt
- Jonathan Blewitt (1782-1853): A prominent English organist and composer during the early 19th century. He served as the organist at Christ Church, Bath, for over 40 years and is known for his numerous organ compositions.
- Darren Blewitt (1985-): A professional English footballer who has played for several clubs throughout his career, including Southend United.
- Brett Blewitt (1976-): Australian actor known for his roles in various television shows and films, including "Home and Away" and "Hacksaw Ridge."
- Edward Blewitt: An ancestor of U.S. President Joe Biden, Edward Blewitt was an engineer who emigrated from Ballina, County Mayo, to the United States during the Great Famine. His legacy lives on through his great-great-grandson's political achievements and deep connection to Ireland. (See Joe Biden's Irish Heritage.)
- Richard Blewett: Chief editor of the book "Shaping a nation : a geology of Australia"
Variations of the Irish Surname Blewitt
- Blewett: This is the most common variation of Blewitt, likely due to phonetic spelling or regional pronunciations.
- Bluett: Another widely used variation, possibly influenced by the Old French spelling "Bluet."
- Bluat: A less common variation, potentially reflecting a more localised pronunciation.
- Bloet: An earlier form of the surname, appearing in historical records like the Domesday Book (1086).
Coat of Arms and Motto
There isn't a single, universally recognised coat of arms associated with all Blewitt families but one variation features a green shield with a gold lion rampant, symbolising bravery and strength, and three gold flowers, representing beauty and the natural origin of the name. You can explore genealogical resources to see if a specific coat of arms is linked to your Blewitt family lineage.
Similarly, there's no documented motto specifically associated with the Blewitt surname.
Please Note
There is often limited information available on a specific coat of arms and motto for an Irish surname. Sometimes there are many variations, sometimes none, we have compiled a representative, but by no means exhaustive, selection. Please visit our Coat of Arms and Motto page for more information.
DNA And Your Irish Roots
- DNA and your Irish Heritage
- DNA, Discovery and Functions
- Types of DNA tests
- DNA testing companies
- Y-chromosome and Father's Ancestral Line
- Mitochondrial DNA and Mother's Ancestral Line
- DNA and Ethnicity