Surname Sergeant - Meaning and Origin
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Sergeant: What does the surname Sergeant mean?
The last name Sergeant is of French origin, derived from the Latin word 'servire', meaning to serve or to be a servant. As a result, individuals with this surname were likely named after an ancestor who served as a soldier or someone in a similar rank.
This surname is also found in parts of Britain, with the earliest recorded use in the Scottish regions in the fourteenth century. Originally, this surname was given to French military officials, specifically those in service of the counts of Flanders. During the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, individuals with this last name settled in the British Isles, mostly in England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales.
In modern usage, the last name Sergeant is still used for military officers. However, it has also gained other connotations, as many families with this surname are part of the working-class and are seen as hardworking, independent people, due to their humble roots. In addition, many families with this last name place an emphasis on loyalty, respect, and dedication in all aspects of life.
Overall, the last name Sergeant has a rich history, with early French ancestry and later migratory patterns to the British Isles. It is also associated with strong virtues—loyalty, commitment, and service—which have been passed down from generation to generation.
Order DNA origin analysisSergeant: Where does the name Sergeant come from?
The last name Sergeant is most commonly found in France, England, Canada, Australia, and parts of the United States.
In France, Sergeant is very common and can be found in all areas of the country. In England the surname is especially common in the southeast, particularly Cornwall and Devon. In Canada, Sergeant is mostly found in Quebec and Ontario. It is a particularly common name in the City of Glencross, Saskatchewan. In Australia, Sergeant is most commonly found in the state of Victoria and Tasmania.
In the United States, the surname is most frequently found in the New England states, especially Connecticut, Maine, and Massachusetts. It is also common in upstate New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. The surname is especially prevalent in areas with a lot of French ancestry.
Sergeant can also be found in many other countries, particularly in Europe and other parts of the British Isles. In some cases, the surname can be traced all the way back to medieval times. It is believed to have originally been an occupational surname associated with army officers.
Today the surname Sergeant is still in use all around the world. It is a reminder of all those who have carried the Sergeant name for centuries and the legacy they have left behind.
Variations of the surname Sergeant
The surname Sergeant has a variety of variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. Some of these spellings and surnames include:
Sergeant: This spelling of the surname is the most common. It is derived from the Old French word for servant or attendant, "sergent". It was originally used for someone of low social status who was expected to serve in the household of a noble.
Serjeant: The spelling is from the Middle English word "serjeaunte". It is also sometimes spelled as "serjeant" or even "sergeant". The term was used to refer to a man-at-arms and was the superior ranking to an ordinary sergeant.
Serjeantson: This spelling is an English patronymic, meaning "son of Serjeant", and was often given to men who were the eldest sons of serjeants.
Sargent: This is a variation of the French "sergent" and is a common spelling in England as well as the United States.
Sargeant: This is also a variation of the French "sergent" and is a common spelling in Australia.
Sergeant-At-Arms: This was an occupational surname for someone who served a noble or a court.
Seargeant: This is an archaic spelling of the surname and is now rarely seen.
Regardless of the variant spelling, the surname Sergeant is derived from the Old French word for a servant or attendant. Although the spelling has changed slightly over the centuries, the meaning remains the same and is still used as a surname today.
Famous people with the name Sergeant
- Major John Sergeant: A British explorer, soldier, and naturalist who served in World War II.
- John Sergeant: An American freelance writer, editor, and translator who has worked in Spain, England, Portugal, and the United States.
- William Sergeant: A British poet, playwright, and journalist who wrote for the newspaper the Morning Post.
- Edward Sergeant: An English actor best known for playing the role of Colonel Pickering in the 1962 animated series "Major Earth".
- Robert Sergeant: A British actor known for There's a Hole in the Hen House, and The One of the Crowd.
- Stan Winsten Sergeant: An English actor who appeared in a number of television programmes between 1965 and 2007.
- Sir William Sergeant: An Irish politician and statesman, who served as Prime Minister of Ireland from 1921 to 1922.
- Robert William Sergeant: An American artist best known for producing enameled silver and bronze works of art.
- Dwight Sergeant: An American photographer and filmmaker.
- Thomas Sergeant: A British soldier who served with the 64th Regiment of Foot in the Napoleonic Wars.