Summary

The surname GIST is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is derived from the Middle English word 'gist' meaning 'guest', which later evolved to mean 'hospitable' or 'kind-hearted'. The name may have originally been a nickname for someone known for their hospitality or it could have been an occupational name for an innkeeper or a tavern owner. The GIST surname has a rich history and is found primarily in the United Kingdom and United States.
There are
6422
Gists in the USA
Gist is the
5419th
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Gist

MordecaiGist

Revolutionary War officer from Maryland known for his bravery and leadership during the Battle of Brooklyn and Battle of Long Island.

SequoyahGist

Cherokee leader and warrior who played a significant role in the Cherokee resistance against the Indian Removal Act and the Trail of Tears.

WilliamH.

Governor of South Carolina who served during the secession crisis and played a key role in the state's decision to join the Confederate States of America.

MosesJ.

Prominent African-American politician and civil rights activist who fought for the rights of African Americans in the mid-20th century.

RalstonB.

Influential African-American educator and advocate for equal education opportunities for African Americans in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Gist Genealogy

OriginsThe surname Gist is of English origin, derived from the Old French word 'gist' or 'joist', meaning 'beam' or 'support'.
Geographic DistributionThe surname Gist is primarily associated with the United States, particularly in Maryland and South Carolina.
VariationsVariations of the surname Gist include Guest, Ghost, Gyst, and Giste.
Migration and ImmigrationMigration and immigration of individuals with the surname Gist occurred mainly during the early colonization of America, particularly during the 17th and 18th centuries. Many Gist families migrated from England to America in search of new opportunities and a better life.