Gentry

What does Gentry mean?

Gentry is an English word name and surname-name associated with the landed social class traditionally regarded as below the nobility but above ordinary commoners. Its meaning evokes heritage, polish and social standing rather than royalty itself.

As a given name, Gentry has a confident, tailored feel. It is used for children of either sex, though it has been more familiar in recent American use as a masculine name. The crisp sound and distinctive ending give it a modern, self-possessed character.

Historical Context

Gentry entered English from Old French genterie, meaning people of noble birth or good family, and is related to the French word gentil. In British history, the gentry were a recognised social group, often landowners, distinct from both the peerage and the general population. The word later became an English surname and, more recently, a given name, particularly in the United States.