Gent

Definition: Gent is a British surname of Old French and Norman origins. It is derived from the Old French word "gent," meaning noble or courteous, and was likely used as a nickname for someone who behaved in a gentlemanly manner.

History: The surname Gent first appeared in England during the Middle Ages, and records show its presence in various regions across the country. The Gent family is known to have held estates and played significant roles in the local communities where they resided.

Variants: Variants of the surname include Gentt, Ghent, Jent, and Gant.

Notable Individuals: Notable individuals bearing the surname Gent include:

  • Arthur Gent (1820-1889): A prominent British architect known for his Gothic Revival style.
  • Sophie Gent (b. 1975): A British violinist renowned for her performances in classical and contemporary music.

References:

  • Hanks, P., Coates, R., & McClure, P. (2016). The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland. Oxford University Press.
  • Reaney, P. H., & Wilson, R. M. (1997). A Dictionary of English Surnames. Oxford University Press.

There are approximately 5,298 people named Gent in the UK. That makes it roughly the 1,786th most common surname in Britain. Around 81 in a million people in Britain are named Gent.

Surname type: Nickname

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Anthony
  • Christopher
  • David
  • John
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Richard
  • Stephen

Female

  • Christine
  • Claire
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Helen
  • Janet
  • Julie
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Patricia
  • Samantha
  • 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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