Surname Sexton - Meaning and Origin
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Tracing the Sexton Surname: A Fascinating Exploration of My Genetic Origins and Ancestry with iGENEA DNA Testing
Embarking on a journey through time, utilizing the iGENEA DNA test, I have unearthed the intriguing story of my surname, Sexton. According to the comprehensive analysis, the Sextons have an occupational origin rooted in Anglo-Saxon England, revealing a captivating cultural and historical narrative that connects me with the past and influences my identity in the present.
E. Sexton
read moreSexton: What does the surname Sexton mean?
The last name Sexton is of English and Irish origin, derived from the occupation of the person originally given the name. A sexton is a church officer or employee who is responsible for maintaining the church property and furnishings, digging graves, ringing the church bells, and sometimes assisting in the conduct of worship. In some instances, the Sexton also served as a scribe or a registrar. The term originates from the Medieval Latin word "sacristanus", which meant a custodian of sacred objects. Over time, "sacristanus" was reduced to sextein in Old French and finally became sexton in English. The surname Sexton is common in the Anglo-Irish population of Ireland, particularly in the regions of Munster and Leinster. Essentially, carrying the last name Sexton indicates that one’s ancestors played a critical role in the upkeep and smooth running of religious practices in their society.
Order DNA origin analysisSexton: Where does the name Sexton come from?
Sexton is a common last name across English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Ireland.
The origin of the name Sexton is from the Old French and indicated a "sexton," or an official in charge of the church and its grounds. Those individuals, traditionally men, also took on supplementary duties such as keeping the church register, digging graves, and tending the churchyard; all of these tasks earned them the nickname "sexton".
Today, Sexton is one of the ten most common surnames in the United States. It is also the 68th most common last name in Canada. In the United Kingdom, the name ranks 317th for frequency, while in Ireland it sits at 207th place.
Sexton is still a dominant surname and many families have kept the surname for generations. There are many examples of prominent individuals who are of the Sexton surname, such as Grammy award-winning musician Gillian Welch and her blues guitarist partner, David Rawlings, both of whom are of the Sexton family. Sexton is also the surname of multiple famous athletes, including the boxer Mickey Sexton and soccer player Cydney Sexton.
In conclusion, the last name Sexton is still a common surname. It primarily exists in English-speaking countries, particularly the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Ireland, where it ranks in the top 500 last names for frequency. It is associated with prominent figures in various fields, such as music, sport, and even politics, and its roots trace back to those who had administrative and custodial responsibilities within the church.
Variations of the surname Sexton
The surname Sexton is an occupational surname of English and Irish origin. It is derived from the Middle English term ‘segge’ which meant ‘sacristan’ or ‘subordinate church officer’. Variations in spelling can include Secgan, Seggen, Seaghen, Saxton, Saxten, Sextan, Sextant, Sextain, Sexten, Sexten, Sixton, Sixten, Saxen, and Sexon. Common alternate versions of the surname Sexton in Ireland include Sextain, Sexten, Sextant, and Sexon. These name variants are used primarily in the north and east of Ireland.
The Irish version of the surname Sexton is found primarily in counties Donegal and Cavan, and is often rendered as Sexon. This form of the name is also found sporadically in Scotland.
In Scotland the surname Sexton is mainly found in the counties of Fife and Aberdeenshire and is usually spelt Seggon, Seaghen or Seggan.
In England the surname Sexton is mainly found in Yorkshire and Derbyshire. Variants in spelling are Seskon, Saxton, Seckon, Sexten and Saxon.
In Wales the name Sexton is mainly found in Glamorgan, Brecknock, Pembroke, Radnor, and Montgomery. It is typically spelt Sexton or Saxon in these regions.
In the United States and Canada, the surname Sexton is found mainly in New England and Nova Scotia. Alternate spellings include Sexton, Sexten, Sextant, Sexon, Saxton, Saxon and Seckan.
In conclusion, the surname Sexton has a rich variety of variants and spellings that are mainly found in England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, the United States and Canada.
Famous people with the name Sexton
- Anne Sexton: American poet and author who wrote confessional poetry and openly explored topics related to psychological trauma, sexuality, and femininity.
- Louise Erdrich: American author, novelist, and poet of Chippewa Indian heritage whose works include love medicine, the round house, and the bingo palace.
- Kevin Sexton: British actor and producer best known for his roles in Eastenders, Midsomer Murders, and Bedroom Farce.
- Peter Sexton: American astronaut who flew on two space shuttle missions and who served as a flight engineer, mission specialist, and payload Commander.
- R. E. Sexton: Award-winning American writer and historian of Confederate and Civil War topics.
- Richmond Sexton: Canadian folk-country musician and songwriter best known for his hit single "She's Not the One".
- Chuck Sexton: American politician who served as mayor of Tulsa, Oklahoma from 1989 to 1997.
- Jason Sexton: American actor, acting teacher, director and producer who has appeared in various television series and films, such as Without a Trace and NCIS.
- Rufus Sexton: Southern gospel musician and seventh generation descendant of gospel singer Albert E. Brumley.
- Jack Sexton: British boxer who won the British Lightweight Championship in 1930.