Surname Johst - Meaning and Origin

Johst: What does the surname Johst mean?

The surname Johst is of German origin. It is derived from the personal name "Johann," which is derived from the Hebrew name "Yochanan," meaning "God is gracious." This surname is known to have been in use since at least the 15th century, and later spelling variations may have included Joest and Joesten.

People with the Johst surname are found primarily in Germany, but their name can be found throughout many countries in Europe. The name appears to have become rare in the 20th century on account of war and emigration. In places where the surname remains, it is often found attached to the aristocracy or educated upper classes.

The Johst surname has been included in the heraldic coat of arms of German nobility. This coat of arms includes three golden roundels on a black background. The crest includes a black lion rampant and a helmet with three ostrich feathers; this can be seen in its earliest recorded form in the German city of Lippstadt.

The Johst surname is rooted in a powerful and respected aristocracy, as well as in faith. It still carries an air of privilege and privilege is often inherited through surnames. People with the Johst surname can trace their name back to the esteemed lineages of Germany, giving them a greater understanding of their heritage and ancestry.

Johst: Where does the name Johst come from?

The surname Johst is most common today in Germany and Austria, where it is estimated that around 13,000 people bear the name. There is also some evidence to suggest that it is present in the countries of the former Yugoslavia, especially among the Bosnian and Croatian population.

In Germany, the Johst family can be traced as far back as the 13th century, when it was common in the northern regions of East Germany. The name is also believed to be derived from a German noble family that was in existence in the 15th century.

The Johst surname has also spread beyond Germany to other countries such as the United States and Canada, where it is still present today. In the United States, the name is common in the midwest and east coast states. There is also a small but active population of Johst families in the United Kingdom, primarily spread throughout the southeast and east of England.

As one of the oldest European last names, Johst has been around for centuries and is likely to remain in existence for many more.

Variations of the surname Johst

The surname Johst is of German origin and has several variants in spelling as well as multiple surnames stemming from the same origin. Firstly, the surname Johst can also be spelled as Joest, Jost, Joste, Josten, Johannst, Johnt, and Johannst. Other corresponding common surnames include Jost, Joest, Josten, Joesting, and Johannstetten.

The derivative variants of the surname Johst arise mainly from the adoption of different spelling conventions. During this time of diversifying conventions of spelling, various dialects also began modifying the surname, leading to the other cognates mentioned above. Records from the thirteenth century indicate the surname was derived from the masculine given name Johannes.

The variants originating from Johst are commonly found in various parts of Germany, Netherlands, and Eastern Europe. Though the spellings may appear different from one another, they hold the same origin and still refer to the same surname. The surname Johst is still found in Germany today and its variants are carried around the world, demonstrating its widespread reach across all of Europe and its countries.

Famous people with the name Johst

• Hanns Johst: Known as the author of the Nazi slogan "When I hear the word “culture”, I release the safety catch of my Browning!".
• Sebastian Johst: Olympic athlete and medallist who won medals in canoeing for Germany.
• Ingeborg Johst-Vazzano: Actress who is noted for her portrayal of Eva Braun in the 1979 film, The Führer's Face.
• Artur Johst: Considered one of the most influential and controversial figures in German theatre.
• Josef Johst: Lawyer and politician who served as Chief of Staff to Adolf Hitler.
• Arne Johst: Professional cyclist from Germany who competed in the 1930 Tour de France.
• Karl-Otto Johst: Member of the SS during World War II, serving in the Germanic SS and later in the Security Police.
• Thomas Johst: German football goalkeeper who played for several clubs, including Hertha BSC, Eintracht Frankfurt, and Schalke 04.
• Annemarie Johst: German actress, known for her role in the 1972 film, Das Glück am Ende der Welt.
• Norbert Johst: German racing driver who competed in Formula Three and Formula Two during the 1980s.

Other surnames

Johsten