1,415 Global OST Family Members

OST Family History

This very unusual and interesting name is of Norman (French) origin, introduced into England after the Norman Conquest of 1066. It is an occupational surname, given originally to an inn-or tavern-keeper, derived from the Old French word 'oste, hoste', host, and echoed in the phrase still used in inns and public houses of today, 'mine host'. One Richard le Ost is recorded in the 'Chartulary of Guisburn Priory', Yorkshire, in circa 1200. In some cases, the modern surname 'Ost' may derive from a German or Dutch form of the English topographic name 'East', for someone who lived in the eastern part of a town or settlement, or outside it to the east, or someone regarded as 'coming from the east'.