Surname Post - Meaning and Origin
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Post: What does the surname Post mean?
The last name "Post" is of Dutch, English and German origin. It originally was an occupational surname for a courier, messenger or postman. The word "post" itself derives from medieval Latin "posta" meaning "station", in the sense of a courier system where messages would be relayed from one station to another. In certain regions, it was also used by someone who lived by a post or pole (such as a signpost or boundary marker). This term was a landmark in an era when there were few formal street names or addresses. In some cases, the surname may have been for an outpost or guard station. It could also refer to someone who had travelled a lot, moving from post to post. As with many surnames, there could be other localized meanings depending on the historical and social context.
Order DNA origin analysisPost: Where does the name Post come from?
The last name Post is common throughout Europe, North America, and Australia. In North America in particular, records indicate that Post is among the top 1,000 most common surnames in both the United States and Canada.
In the United States, the last name Post is most common in New York, where it ranks #599, followed by Minnesota (#672) and Wisconsin (#731). In Canada, Post is most common in Ontario, where it ranks #505, followed by Alberta (#605) and British Columbia (#741).
In Europe, the surname Post is particularly concentrated in Germany, where records indicate it has been in use since the medieval era. It is among the top 500 most common surnames in both Germany and the Netherlands. In England, Post is much less common, ranking #3,508.
In Australia, Post is among the 50 most common surnames, with records indicating this name was brought to Australia by 18th century British settlers. In addition, records show that the last name Post is common in New Zealand, where it is the 76th most common surname.
Variations of the surname Post
The surname Post has a variety of variants and spellings, each of which has a unique origin. The variants of Post include: Poste, Posteux, Postole, Postill, Postlus, Postma, Postmus and Postel. Post is a surname of German, Dutch and English origin.
Post is derived from a nickname for someone who was messenger or a postman. This nickname was derived from the German word "post," which was originally from the Latin "postis." This Latin term referred to a doorkeeper or gatekeeper.
The Dutch variant, Postma, originated from the Dutch word "postmeester," which was the title given to someone who was in charge of a postal station or post office. The Dutch variants Postel and Postlus may have been derived from the Dutch element "post," which is from Latin and means post or messenger.
The English variant, Postill, is derived from the Middle English word "posteler," which was originally the occupation of a postman. The English variants Poste and Postole likely originated from a Middle French word for a pilgrim, pousteroll, or from a Norman French word for postman, poste.
Overall, the surname Post has many variants and spellings and each version of the surname has its own unique origin and etymology. In conclusion, the variants of the surname Post include Poste, Posteux, Postole, Postill, Postlus, Postma, Postmus and Postel.
Famous people with the name Post
- 2018 Pulitzer Prize winner, novelist Anna Quindlen
- Social media influencer and restaurateur Kylee Post
- Singer-songwriter and actor Andezzz Post
- Professional wrestler Addy Post
- Pro football player Nicky Post
- Lead guitarist for Imagine Dragons, Wayne Sermon
- Musician and actress Dr. Teeth from The Muppets
- Active Duty US Military Member Greg Post
- Professional basketball player Mark Post
- Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney