Blass

Blass is a surname of German origin. The name is derived from the German adjective blass, meaning pale or pallid, and it most likely originated as a descriptive nickname for someone with a pale complexion or light hair. Over time, the descriptor became a hereditary family name and spread beyond its original region through migration and assimilation.

Today, Blass is most commonly found in Germany and Austria, with smaller communities in Switzerland and among the diaspora in North America, Australia, and other parts of Europe. The spelling Blass is the standard form in many countries, while historical records in German-speaking areas may show related forms such as Bläs(s) with diacritical marks. In English-speaking countries, some families later anglicized the name to Blass or kept the original form depending on family history and immigration documentation.

As a surname with Germanic roots, Blass appears across various professions and has been borne by individuals in academia, arts, sports, and other fields. Given its linguistic origins, Blass is typically studied within discussions of German surnames, surname etymology, and onomastic research.