Origin and Meaning of Gentry

Of gentle birth; nobility

Origin: English - Derived from the Middle English word 'gentrice', which refers to the social class of gentlemen; indicates a status of gentility and nobility.

• Gentry was historically used as a social class designation in England, referring to those who were of gentle birth, distinguished from the nobility.
• In contemporary usage, Gentry can serve as both a first name and a surname, with a rise in popularity as a unique first name for boys and girls.
• Notable bearers of the name include Gentry Lee, a well-known American author and editor, and Gentry, a character archetype frequently encountered in literature.
• The name Gentry has seen a moderate increase in popularity in the United States, ranking as a more uncommon yet appealing choice for parents looking for unique names.
• Similar names include Gentree, Gent, and Gentry's usage correlates with themes of sophistication and status.