Gentry

Meaning of Gentry

Gentry, pronounced JEN-tree, descends from Middle English genterie and ultimately the Latin gens, “clan” or “people,” a lineage that once marked the landed classes yet now feels refreshingly democratic. As a unisex, surname-style choice, it has maintained a quiet but steady presence in U.S. birth records—about a hundred babies annually, orbiting the 800th rank since the 1970s—suggesting stamina rather than fad. Its brisk two-syllable cadence pairs well with modern sound trends while hinting at Southern courtesy, collegiate athletics, and even country-rock stages. Spanish-speaking ears catch a friendly resonance with gente, reinforcing the communal undertone. Parents who like Kennedy or Sawyer often land on Gentry for similar polish, but with a dash of antique patina, fulfilling the old maxim nomen omen: the name itself becomes a subtle emblem of character.