Trueblood
An English surname built from the compliment-like nickname “true blood,” likely meaning a person thought to be genuine, loyal, or of good stock.
The #9,631 most common surname in the United States (2010 Census) — about 1 in every 91,589 Americans shares it.
Etymology
Trueblood is best understood as an English nickname surname made from the words true + blood. In older English naming, “blood” could suggest lineage, nature, or temperament, so the whole form likely meant someone considered authentically of good character or genuine descent. It belongs to the wider class of expressive surnames built from plain-language compounds such as Goodbody or Youngblood.
History
The name appears in American records by the 19th century and is especially found in the United States. Early surname lists place it alongside other compound nickname surnames, which supports a descriptive origin rather than a place-name or occupation. It remains relatively uncommon but is well established as an inherited family name.
Origin
Regions
Variant spellings
Fun fact
19th-century surname lists often grouped Trueblood with other colorful compound names like Goodbody, Lightbody, and Youngblood, showing how literally many old nicknames were built.
From the historical record
“There is also a Prof. Funke at Leipsic. Mr. Her- MiTE arrived here in a Cunard steamer. May, 1859. Capt. Trueblood, of the schooner " D. V. Sessums," from Baltimore to North Carolina, was wrecked, May, 1858. Lt. Trewman was at Fort St. George in 1805. Belyed is a common name at Bronte, C.W. Mr.”
— Suffolk Surnames (3rd ed.)