Surname Sargent - Meaning and Origin

Through the Microscope of DNA: A Personal Journey into the Sargent Heritage

Having taken an iGENEA DNA test, my understanding of my surname 'Sargent' and its significance to my overall identity and heritage underwent a transformation. The abstract roots of my lineage suddenly gained tangible footing as a rich tapestry of human history unfolded before me.

J. Sargent

Sargent: What does the surname Sargent mean?

The last name 'Sargent' is of French origin and derived from the Old French term 'sergent', meaning 'servitor', 'public official' or 'police officer'. The term 'sergent' is itself derived from the Latin 'serviens', an occupational name for a sergeant in the medieval period. These non-commissioned military officers were in service of a nobleman, or the king, performing duties of law enforcement or administration. Therefore, it is suggested that persons bearing the Sargent surname likely had ancestors who held this official position. Over the centuries and throughout regions, the spelling of the name has varied, from Sargent, to Sergent, to Sergeant, reflecting its wide dispersion and long history. The name is also noted in English heraldry, with several families bearing the Sargent surname awarded coats of arms.

Sargent: Where does the name Sargent come from?

The surname Sargent is often associated with the British nobility and the military, as it is a relatively old name with records that go back as far as the 11th century. However, this surname is still quite common today and can be found in the United Kingdom, the United States, Ireland, Australia, and Canada.

In the United Kingdom, Sargent is the 148th most common surname. It’s not only found here, but also in Ireland, where it is ranked as the 102nd most common surname. In terms of the United States, the surname is ranked 295th overall.

Sargent is also quite common in Canada, where it is the 313th most common surname. Australia also has many people with the surname Sargent, with the name being the 192nd most common surname overall.

Overall, the surname Sargent is still quite popular today in many countries, including the United Kingdom, Ireland, the United States, Canada, and Australia.

Variations of the surname Sargent

The surname Sargent dates back to the 12th century and is of Norman origin. It is derived from the Latin word “sargere” which means “a shield” or “a soldier”. Over the centuries, the name has taken on many different spellings, including Sargeant, Sergeant, Sargaunt, Sarjant, Sarjeant, and Sargeantson.

In England, many of the original Sargents left after the Norman Conquest (1066) and their descendants can be found in Ireland, Scotland, Wales, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. There are also several notable variations on the spelling, such as Sarjent, Sarjeint, Sargeant, Sargint, Sargin, and Sarkent.

Another interesting variation on the spelling is Saugent, which is a very rare name found mainly in France. This name derived from an ancient French word “Sauger”, which means “to go hunting”.

Some of the notable families from the Sargent surname include Charles Sargent, a horticulturist and botanist; John Singer Sargent, the American painter; and Sergeant Lewis Sargent, an army officer in the American Civil War.

Overall, the Sargent surname is a common one with a long and rich history. It has had many spellings and variants over the centuries, but its original meaning of “a shield” or “a soldier” has withstood the test of time.

Famous people with the name Sargent

• John Singer Sargent (1856-1925): An American expatriate artist, considered the "leading portrait painter of his generation" for his evocations of Edwardian era luxury.
• Shriley Sargent (1903-1994): An American educator, philanthropist, academic advisor and author who was the first female appointed to the MIT Corporation.
• Abbot Lawrence Sargent (1837-1915): A life-long Unitarian clergyman and American community leader who was an influential figure in the early development of Essex County.
• William Sargent (1828-1888): An American architect known for his ecclesiastical designs, including the heavily ornamented Gothic mountaintop Church of St. John the Divine in New York City.
• Arthur Stanwood Sargent (1841–1927): An American botanist who was a professor and Chairman of the Pomona College department of botany.
• John Sargent (1916-1998): An American physicist who was awarded the National Medal of Science for his work with regenerative amplifiers and for his contribution to the invention of the laser.
• Jay Ten Eyck Sargent (1921–2006): An American mathematician who made contributions to the field of applied mathematics and was the author of several widely-cited books.
• Anne Woodworth Sargent (1912-2004): An American art educator and photographer who was considered an important innovator in her field, with scholarly writing and profound insights on visual literacy and art education.
• Gavin Sargent (active as of 2017): A British-American author, entrepreneur and actor who is the author of fourteen books including science fiction, vampire and dragon-based novels.
• Alan Welch Sargent (1895-1966): An English zoologist who was a pioneer in the field of microbiology and an exponent of the taxonomic school.

Other surnames

SargeantSargerie