The Gestour name, like many surnames, is most likely occupational in origin, coming from the Old French "geste," meaning "joke" or "exploits" or the Middle English "gester," meaning "buffoon, mimic or professional reciter of romances." The first bearer of the name would therefore probably be a jester by profession, though at the time jesters were closer to the latter meaning of one who recites romances, than to the modern concept of the court fool. It is also possible that the name originated as a nickname, being given to one who displayed jester-like characteristics.
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Early Origins of the Gestour family
The surname Gestour was first found in Colchester, where the name first appeared in the late 14th century.
Early History of the Gestour family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Gestour research. Another 61 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1377, 1665, 1666 and 1802 are included under the topic Early Gestour History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Gestour Spelling Variations
Spelling variations of this family name include: Jester, Gestour, Gester and others.
Early Notables of the Gestour family
Gestour of Colchester
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Migration of the Gestour family
Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: Sebastian Gester, who arrived in Pennsylvania in 1798; as well as Martin Gester, who arrived in Allegany County, Pennsylvania in 1855.
