Surname Gentry - Meaning and Origin

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Gentry: What does the surname Gentry mean?

The last name Gentry, of old French origins, typically refers to the class of people ranked below nobility in England, often landowners and well-off families who do not hold high-ranking titles. The term is derived from the Old French word "genterise," meaning gentle birth. Therefore, the surname might have originally been given as a nickname to someone who was refined or noble. Alternatively, it could have been used as an occupational name for someone who worked in a gentleman's household. It is also noteworthy that there were historically several places named Gentry in France, and the name could have referred to individuals or families hailing from these locations. As a surname, Gentry is common in the United States, England, and other English-speaking countries.

Gentry: Where does the name Gentry come from?

The surname Gentry is of Anglo-Saxon origin and was first found in Berkshire, England. It is derived from the Old French word "genterie", which stands for "nobility of birth or character". This was introduced into England after the Norman Conquest of 1066, and was originally given as a nickname to a person of high birth status or superior courtesy.

During the Middle Ages, it evolved as an occupational surname for a person who was a gentleman by rank, birth, education, or behavior, signifying a high social status. There are different variations of the name such as Gent, Gentt, Jent, Jentry, Gentles, and others.

Today, Gentry is more common in the United States than anywhere else in the world. According to the census data, it is common particularly in the Southeastern states. Notably, in states like Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, and Missouri, Gentry is among the more prevalent surnames. It's also found, albeit less frequently, in the United Kingdom where it originated and in other English-speaking countries.

Variations of the surname Gentry

The surname Gentry, derived from the Old French 'genterie', refers to nobility or aristocracy. Thus, its variants and spellings are rooted in different regions’ terms for such high-ranking individuals. Though most common as Gentry, it may also be found as Gentle, Jentry, Gentre, Gantrey, Gantre, Gendre, Gentrey, Gentre, Gentrye or Gentrie, among others. These variations likely arose as families moved or as clerks misspelled in records.

In Scotland, the surname parallels with 'Gentles'. Throughout France, Gentry could be found as Gent, Le Gendre or Gendron. In Italy, it might translate as Gentile, Gentili, or Nobile. If Spanish or Portuguese is considered, the surname might have equivalents like Noble, Nobles, or Nobleza.

Gentry families may also have changed their name to or from prominent families in their area - ie., the French Noblet or Nobletts, or the English Nobbs or Nobby. Some families might have taken or been given names that mean "of the gentry," such as Nason (noble's son) or Dey (from 'de', indicating noble lineage).

To trace Gentry ancestry, one might therefore look for records not only under that name, but its various spellings, translations, and related titles.

Famous people with the name Gentry

• Bobbie Gentry: An American country singer known for her song story, "Ode to Billie Joe."
• Troy Gentry: A member of the American country music duo called Montgomery Gentry.
• Alvin Gentry: An American basketball coach who has worked for several NBA teams.
• Rob Gentry: A professional race car driver from the United States.
• Ralph "Teddy" Gentry: A bass guitarist and vocalist in the country band Alabama.
• Eddy Raven Gentry: An American country singer.
• Suzanne Gentry: An American actress who appeared in films between 1947-1954.
• Phillip Gentry: An American executive producer.
• Matt Gentry: A renowned Canadian freestyle wrestler.
• Glenda Gentry: An American painter.
• Cecil Gentry: An American officer of the US airforce.
• Everett Gentry: A popular American photographer.
• Jimmie Gentry: A former American football coach.
• Jarvis Gentry: An American professional basketball player.
• Edwin Gentry: An American actor known for his role in the movie "Dinner at Eight."
• Frederick Gentry: A British novelist and author.
• James Gentry: A recognized American journalist and former editor.
• Lester Gentry: An American baseball player.

Other surnames

GaalGaalayGaalenGaaleyGaalyGaarmannGabbardGabberGabbertGabeGabehartGabelGäbelGabelbergerGabeleGäbeleGäbeleinGabelenzGabelerGäbelerGabellGabelmannGabelsbergerGabeltGäbeltGabeneschGabenischGabenneschGaberle