Surname Justis - Meaning and Origin
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Justis: What does the surname Justis mean?
The surname Justis is believed to have French origins and is derived from the Old French personal name "Just, Justice". It is often associated with concepts of fairness and righteousness, signifying a just and upright person. During the Middle Ages, it was a common practice to give names that were linked to abstract qualities. The introduction of surnames during this period became necessary owing to increased population and the need for more personal identification. The name may also denote someone who played the role of a judge or legal officer in the community, taking its meaning from the Latin "justitia" meaning "justice". Alternatively, it could be a locational surname, for someone from any of various places in northern France called Just or Jus. Lastly, variations of the name can be seen in different cultures, signifying the widespread nature of the surname. Like all surnames, the exact meaning of Justis can vary depending on its historical and cultural context.
Order DNA origin analysisJustis: Where does the name Justis come from?
The surname Justis is thought to originate from pre-7th Century Old French "justice", which itself comes from the Latin "justitia", meaning fairness or justice. Originally it was an occupational surname given to individuals who served as a judge or person of the law. It was often used in medieval times to denote a person entrusted with the administration of justice.
Different variations of the name exist, such as Justice, Justis, Justus, Just, Jost, and Jostes, among others. While the name has predominantly European roots, migration patterns over centuries have scattered bearers of this surname around the globe.
Today, the surname Justis is found in various countries, with a concentration in the United States, especially in the states of Virginia, Maryland, and North Carolina. It is also fairly common in countries of northern Europe, such as Germany and Denmark. However, it is still relatively unusual and not frequently encountered. Its derivative forms like Just, Justice, and Justus can be found in different regions worldwide.
Variations of the surname Justis
The surname Justis has alternative spellings and variable forms that originate from different cultures and time periods. Variations of Justis include Justice, Justus, Just, Juste, Justi, Joust, Jost, Joost, and Josth.
Justice is a common variation, used broadly in English-speaking regions. The surname Justus is derived from a Roman personal name and common among German-speaking populations. Just, Juste, and Justi are prevalent in various parts of Europe. Joust, Jost, Joost, and Josth are typically seen in Dutch and German regions.
In addition, Justice or Justus could be anglicized versions of similar sounding surnames from other languages, such as the French surname 'Juste,' the German or Dutch 'Jost,' or the Polish 'Just.' It's important to understand that spelling variations often occurred even within families, depending on the language or culture of the area in which they lived.
Surface-level research, however, doesn't show surnames of the exact same origin as Justis. Since surnames developed differently in various regions and periods, based on trades, personal characteristics, or descendance indications, it's difficult to pinpoint surnames of the exact same origin without deeper genealogical research. Regardless, all these variations share similarities, indicating a shared or parallel origin or evolution.
Famous people with the name Justis
- Brooks Justis: Professional surfer
- Joe Justis: Watercolor painter
- Robert Justis: Actor and comedian
- Pat Justis: Musician and singer
- James Justis: Football player
- Missy Justis: Rapper and singer
- Irwin Justis: Radio host
- Wilbur Justis: Media executive
- Carla Justis: Political activist
- Terry Justis: Novelist and poet