Surname Quested - Meaning and Origin

Quested: What does the surname Quested mean?

The name Quested is an English name of Anglo-Saxon origin, believed to have derived from the Olde English ‘cweste’ which means daring or bold. It may have been derived from an occupational name for a scout or messenger.

In some cases, the use of Quested may have also been a nickname meaning ‘the brave one’ or ‘the daring one’. Medieval battle nicknames were often based on an individual’s bold or daring acts in the heat of battle.

The last name Quested can trace its history back to the 11th century with some records showing a William Quested of Kent, England, who was recorded in the 12th century Pipe Rolls, a census of the wealthy of England during the reign of King Henry II.

Today, the surname is widespread throughout Europe, the United States and Canada. People with the last name Quested are particularly found in the south-east of England, with strong concentrations in the county of Kent and the city of London.

The name Quested is thought to embody the values of courage, strength and bravery. Those with the last name Quested can take pride in their family’s history and symbols.

Quested: Where does the name Quested come from?

The last name Quested is most common in the United Kingdom and in former British colonies such as Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. In the UK, Quested is primarily found in the southeast, particularly in the counties of Kent, Hampshire, Essex, Surrey, and Sussex. The name is thought to have originated in either Kent or Hampshire, which is evidenced by the numerous Quested families found in each of these regions in the 1881 UK census.

Interestingly, Quested also appears in high concentrations in the Caribbean, particularly in Jamaica, where it has been established for centuries. Historically, many of the individuals with the Quested name were farmers in Jamaica; however, their descendants have since become successful in a variety of fields, from business to politics and media.

Outside of the United Kingdom and Jamaica, Quested is quite rare, though there are a few instances of individuals with the name in the United States, India, Malta, and other countries where English is not the primary language. The Quested name has been popularised in other parts of the world via celebrities bearing the name, for example the actor Tim Quested and the Jamaicanfolksinger Joseph `Culture` Questy.

Variations of the surname Quested

The surname Quested can be spelt in a multitude of ways, all coming from the same origin. This can include but is not limited to Quest, Quast, Küst, Kwast, and Kwist. Variations of the name Quested can also include Quiste, Quistes, Kwest, Kweste, Kwiste, Kwistes, Küste, and Küstes.

The surname Quested is believed to be of Germanic and Dutch descent, as the root of the name is a variation on the German word küsten which translates to 'sharp edge'. The surname was likely originally given to individuals who held a position such as an expert swordsman or a knife sharpener. However, Quested itself emerged in the fourteenth century in England.

In North Germany, the surname is spelled Quast; in the Netherlands, it is spelled Kwast; and in South Germany, it is spelt Küst. Quested is used as a surname mainly in the United Kingdom, specifically in England, where it first originated.

The name is also found in forms like Quette, Kwette, Kütte, and Kwi. In some cases, the spelling stems from the name of a regional dialect. The English variant Quest is often found in northern England and British Columbia in Canada.

Throughout history, the name Quested has developed multiple variants and spellings, and can be seen in a variety of different surnames, all with roots in the same ancestral origin.

Famous people with the name Quested

• Tom Quested: is a British professional road cyclist.
• Georgina Quested: is an English actress, most notable for her recurring role on the TV show Tiny Toons.
• Kimberly Quested: is an American long distance runner who has represented the United States at the Olympic Games.
• Dame Anthea Quested: is a British novelist, playwright, and biographer.
• James Quested: is an English professional footballer who currently plays for Gillingham FC.
• David Quested: is an Australian film producer, director, and screenwriter, best known for his work in films such as Gallipoli, Gandhi, and Henry V.
• Rob Quested: is an English professional darts player currently competing in the British Darts Organisation.
• Mark Quested: is an English former professional footballer and current television presenter for talkSPORT.
• Shinara Quested: is a British actor and model, best known for her portrayal of Lilian in the television series EastEnders.
• Clinton Quested: is an international rugby union referee who has officiated at the highest level of the sport.

Other surnames

Questead