Question Home

Position:Home>Genealogy> Does anyone know the nationality for the last name Sargent?


Question:According to ancestry.com - SARGENT
English and French: in medieval times this did not denote a rank in the army, but was an occupational name for a servant, Middle English, Old French sergent (Latin serviens, genitive servientis, present participle of servire ‘to serve’). The surname probably originated for the most part in this sense, but the word also developed various more specialized meanings, being used for example as a technical term for a tenant by military service below the rank of a knight, and as the name for any of certain administrative and legal officials in different localities, which may also have contributed to the development of the surname. The sense ‘non-commissioned officer’ did not arise until the 16th century.

As for place of origin of SARGENTS immigrating to the U.S.
152 - England, 23 - Wales, 16 - France, 8 - Germany, 8 - U.K., 6 - London, England

723 SARGENTS were in the U.S. in time to fight for the Union in the U.S. Civil War. 120 fought for the Confederacy.

In 1880 about 1/3 of those w/ this surname were farmers.


Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: According to ancestry.com - SARGENT
English and French: in medieval times this did not denote a rank in the army, but was an occupational name for a servant, Middle English, Old French sergent (Latin serviens, genitive servientis, present participle of servire ‘to serve’). The surname probably originated for the most part in this sense, but the word also developed various more specialized meanings, being used for example as a technical term for a tenant by military service below the rank of a knight, and as the name for any of certain administrative and legal officials in different localities, which may also have contributed to the development of the surname. The sense ‘non-commissioned officer’ did not arise until the 16th century.

As for place of origin of SARGENTS immigrating to the U.S.
152 - England, 23 - Wales, 16 - France, 8 - Germany, 8 - U.K., 6 - London, England

723 SARGENTS were in the U.S. in time to fight for the Union in the U.S. Civil War. 120 fought for the Confederacy.

In 1880 about 1/3 of those w/ this surname were farmers.

John Singer Sargent (1856 – 1925) was born to American parents. He was however born in Italy.

English and French: in medieval times this did not denote a rank in the army, but was an occupational name for a servant, Middle English, Old French sergent (Latin serviens, genitive servientis, present participle of servire ‘to serve’). The surname probably originated for the most part in this sense, but the word also developed various more specialized meanings, being used for example as a technical term for a tenant by military service below the rank of a knight, and as the name for any of certain administrative and legal officials in different localities, which may also have contributed to the development of the surname. The sense ‘non-commissioned officer’ did not arise until the 16th century.
I hope this helped