Blackeby is a transposed locational name and derives from residence at Black's Farm (Blak atta Bi - Olde English 9th century) or from a medieval village name 'Blackeberwe' or possibly a now lost location, some seven thousand English village sites are known to have 'disappeared' since the 14th century. The original development of the name seems to have been Blakattabi, c.10th century to Blackebewe (c.1275) to Blackerby. Richard Blackerby (1574 - 1648) being a prominent puritan and supporter of Cromwell. He was Vicar of Great Thurlow, near New Market. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Simon de Blackeberwe which was dated C.1275 The Pipe Rolls of Devon during the reign of King Edward 1 The Hammer of the Scots 1272-1307 Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.