How common is the Sexton surname?

There are approximately 15,000 people with the surname Sexton in the United States.

Are there Sexton soldiers in Civil War records?

Yes, 893 soldiers with the Sexton surname appear in Civil War records.

Sexton

Q: What does the surname Sexton mean?

The surname Sexton means "A church official responsible for maintaining the church building and grounds.". It is of English origin.

Occupational

Meaning

A church official responsible for maintaining the church building and grounds.

Etymology

Derived from the Old French 'sacristain' and Latin 'sacristanus' meaning sacristan or sexton. The surname originated as an occupational name for someone employed by a church.

About the Sexton Surname

An occupational surname for a church sexton or sacristan, a position of some importance in medieval communities. The name has remained relatively common in English-speaking countries.

Distribution & Frequency

Estimated 15,000 bearers in the United States #908 most common surname

Rare Common

Widely distributed throughout England and common in North America.

Sexton Surname Distribution

Geographic distribution based on Civil War military records.

Fewer

People with the Sexton Surname

Leonidas Sexton

Hon.

Quick Facts

Origin: English
Classification: Occupational
Earliest Record: 13th century England
Estimated Bearers: 15,000

War Records

893 soldiers with the Sexton surname found in Civil War records.

Search war records →