Surname Banister - Meaning and Origin
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Banister: What does the surname Banister mean?
The last name Banister is of English origin and is a professional surname derived from the word "banastre," a basket in Middle English. The term originally referred to a maker or seller of baskets. It's also believed the name could have been used for those associated with the trade of basket making or perhaps someone who carried a basket on their person as part of their job. The prevalence of the name across England suggests the important role of the basket making profession in the medieval period. Even today, the name can be associated to those skilled in the art and trade of basketry. Like many surnames based on common occupations, its use probably began during the Middle Ages when such naming practices became widespread. It is also possible that the name was taken from a place where basket-weaving was a key industry. In summary, Banister, as a surname, is related to the trade of basket-making in English historical context.
Order DNA origin analysisBanister: Where does the name Banister come from?
The surname Banister originated from England. It is believed to be of occupational origin, referencing individuals who worked as 'banisters' or court judges during the medieval period. The title is derived from the French word "banastre" meaning "a hamper", or "a measure of capacity for corn", possibly relating to an occupational role involving these items.
There's also an alternate origin theory suggesting the Banister name was a geographical surname for people living near a banister - a handrail of a stairway or balcony.
It may have been first recorded in the form of Anketil le Banastre in the Pipe Rolls of London in 1177. Some notable people with the name include American athlete John Banister and British baroque music composer John Banister.
Today, the surname Banister is common in the United States, England, Australia, and Canada. Of these, it is most prevalent in the United States according to the distribution of this surname across the globe. This dispersion likely resulted from British colonization and subsequent waves of immigration.
Variations of the surname Banister
Banister is an English-derived surname that originated from an occupational name for a maker or seller of baskets, or for a maker or repairer of bath tubs (from a derivative of Old French 'baine', bath - a tub or bath maker). Variations of this surname due the regional pronunciations and the evolution of languages over time include: Banester, Banastre, Bannaster, Bannister, Banester, Bannester, Banister, Bannyster, and Banystr.
The surname could also have geographical origins, relating to an area known as 'Banastre' in Lancashire during the medieval period. The name might then have been adopted by people living in or near this location.
In some cases, the spelling might also have been influenced by the word 'banister', referring to the handrail of a staircase, however, this is a comparatively later usage in English and not a direct source for the surname.
Despite the various spellings, all these variants are essentially of the same root and reflect the diverse history of the English language's evolution.
Famous people with the name Banister
- Justin Banister- Famous Social network star, competitive gamer, and YouTuber
- Martha Banister- American playwright and former co-executive producer of "American Horror Story"
- William Banister- Chief of Protocol of the US Department of State under President Obama
- Brad Banister- Former Major League Baseball pitcher
- Truman Banister- Former doctor, politician and state senator of Alabama
- Max Banister- British entrepreneur and founder of the online gambling company Bet365
- McKean Banister- 19th-century American journalist, diplomat and Indian agent
- Fernand Banister- French:Canadian sculptor and designer
- Nelson Banister- English actor, poet, and playwright
- Laini Banister- New Zealand sports journalist, radio presenter, and newsreader