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GUEST Family History

Recorded in several spellings as shown below, this is a very interesting English surname. It is of status origins and was first used to describe a stranger or newcomer to a community. The derivation is from the pre 7th century Old Norse word "gestr" meaning a guest or visitor, but withe more specific translation of a stranger. In those amcient times it was the custom for almost all houses of any quality to offer hospitality to a passing stranger or guest. These people would be treated according to their status, and whilst a lord would be shown a bed and given a full meal, others less fortunate would have to settle for a stable and a crust...