Jost

Patronymic

Meaning

Derived from the given name Jost, a German form of Jodocus, meaning 'lord' in Germanic tradition.

Etymology

The surname Jost comes from the medieval German personal name Jost, which is a form of Jodocus (a saint's name). The name became established as a hereditary surname in German and Swiss regions.

About the Jost Surname

A German and Swiss surname derived from the medieval given name Jost. The surname has maintained regional concentration in Central European regions.

Distribution & Frequency

Estimated 12,000 bearers in the United States #1,040 most common surname
Rare Common

Primarily found in Germany, Switzerland, and surrounding Alpine regions.

Jost Surname Distribution

Geographic distribution based on Civil War military records.

Fewer
More

Notable Bearers

People with the Jost Surname