Blackmon History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Etymology of Blackmon

What does the name Blackmon mean?

In ancient Anglo-Saxon England, the ancestors of the Blackmon surname lived in or near one of the two towns called Blanchminster and Blackmanstone in Essex. It is also probable that the name is of nickname derivation and was used to indicate a man with a dark complexion or dark hair.

Early Origins of the Blackmon family

The surname Blackmon was first found in Cornwall, in the parish of Egloskerry. “In the north transept of this church lies, as is supposed, Guy de Blanchminster, or De Albomonasteris, rector of Lansallos, younger brother probably, of Sir John Blanchminster, who died without issue, and was the last of that family. He is represented as having long hair, and dressed in a gown, with his purse by his side. The purse in my opinion alludes to the donations of himself and relatives. I am inclined to think that the tithes of Egloskerry once belonged to the Blanchminsters.” 1

Binnamy Castle in the parish of Stratton, Cornwall is said to have been built by Ralph de Blanchminster, about the year 1335. “Dr. Borlase describes this house as being situated about half a mile from Stratton, and a furlong from the ancient causeway made by the Blanchminsters. Of this venerable mansion no remnants remain. In the church of Stratton there is a monument of a knight with his effigies in armour, supposed to be intended for one of the Blanchminsters. It appears that some lands of considerable value were given by one of the Blanchminsters for charitable purposes to this parish. The intended object has, according to modern usage, been understood to be the church and poor.” 1

Blackmon Spelling Variations

It is only in the last few hundred years that the English language has been standardized. For that reason, early Anglo-Saxon surnames like Blackmon are characterized by many spelling variations. As the English language changed and incorporated elements of other European languages, even literate people changed the spelling of their names. The variations of the name Blackmon include: Blackmonster, Blackemonster, Blackmanstone, Blauncmustre, Blancmustre, Blancmoster and many more.