Dempster

The surname Dempster is of Scottish origin and is an occupational surname derived from the Old French word "disme" meaning "judge" or "arbiter". In medieval Scotland, a "Dempster" was a local judge or magistrate responsible for presiding over disputes and maintaining order within the community.

History

The Dempster family can trace its roots back to the ancient Kingdom of Scotland. The name first appears in records in the 13th century, with early instances found in the regions of Angus and Fife. Over the centuries, the Dempster family spread throughout Scotland and established themselves in various regions.

Notable Individuals

  • Thomas Dempster (1579–1625): A Scottish scholar and historian known for his works on Scottish antiquities.
  • Sir James Dempster (1613–1671): A Scottish Royalist who fought for the Royalist cause during the English Civil War.
  • Ryan Dempster (b. 1977): A Canadian-born professional baseball pitcher who played for various teams in Major League Baseball.

Modern Distribution

Today, the surname Dempster is found not only in Scotland but also in other parts of the United Kingdom and the wider world. Variants of the name include Dempstar, Dempstaire, and Dempstare.

Heraldry

The Dempster family coat of arms features typical heraldic symbols such as a shield, crest, and motto. The shield is usually described as "Argent, a Pelican in her piety Gules". This imagery symbolises traits such as selflessness, charity, and devotion.

In conclusion, the surname Dempster has a rich history rooted in Scottish heritage, reflecting a tradition of legal and civic service that has endured through the ages.

There are approximately 4,053 people named Dempster in the UK. That makes it roughly the 2,306th most common surname in Britain. Around 62 in a million people in Britain are named Dempster.

Surname type: Occupational name

Origin: Celtic

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: Scotland

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: Gaelic

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Alan
  • Andrew
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Mark
  • Paul
  • Robert
  • Stephen
  • William

Female

  • Angela
  • Christine
  • Elizabeth
  • Jacqueline
  • Jane
  • Karen
  • Kathleen
  • Louise
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Sarah
  • Susan

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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