Last Name Justi

The surname "Justi" is a patronymic derived from the given name "Justus," which is of Latin origin. The name Justus means "just, righteous" and was a common Christian name during the Middle Ages, particularly among early Christians who were known for their adherence to moral principles. The German surname "Justi" likely developed as a form of hereditary surname in medieval times, where it was passed down from father to son. In some cases, the name may have been adopted by individuals seeking to distinguish themselves or emphasize their family's Christian values and beliefs. Over time, variations such as Just, Justin, and Justus have arisen due to spelling differences and regional dialects.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Justi

The meaning and origin of the last name Justi

The surname Justi is of Latin origin, derived from the word "iustus," which means just, righteous, or fair in Latin. This surname was likely given to individuals who were considered just and honest, or it may have been used as a nickname for someone who behaved in a fair and moral manner. The name first appeared in Europe during the Middle Ages, when personal names began to be passed down through generations as family names. Today, the surname Justi is most common in Germany, where it has been recorded since the 13th century. Variations of the name include Just, Juste, and Giusti.

Geographical distribution of the last name Justi

The surname Justi is predominantly found in European countries, with significant concentrations in Germany and its neighboring regions such as Austria, Switzerland, and Belgium. It is also present in other parts of Europe, including France, Spain, Italy, and the Netherlands. Historically, the name may have originated from Jud, a town in the Rhine province of Germany, indicating Jewish ancestry. However, the name has been adopted by non-Jewish families as well over time. In the United States, Justi is less common but can be found among immigrants from Germany and other European countries. The distribution of this surname reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges between Europe and its colonies.

Variants and spellings of the last name Justi

The surname Justi can have various spelling variations, often due to differences in transliteration or local dialects. Some common forms include:

1. Justi: This is the most standard form of the name. It's of Latin origin and means 'just.'
2. Giusti: In Italian, the name retains its original meaning but has a different spelling.
3. Juste: In French, the name takes on a slightly different spelling while still maintaining its original meaning.
4. Juyste: This is an alternative spelling that may be found in some historical records or genealogical databases.
5. Juszt: In Hungarian, the name is translated and has a distinct spelling.
6. Justius: A latinized form of the name, often used as a given name in its own right.
7. Giustino: An Italian diminutive of Giusti, meaning 'little just.'
8. Juist: This is an unrelated German word that means 'island,' but it could potentially be a spelling error or variant for the surname Justi.

Famous people with the last name Justi

Notable individuals with the surname Justi include:

1. Johann Justi (1723-1771), a German Orientalist and professor of Arabic and Hebrew at the University of Halle. He is known for his work "Asiatischer Bibliograph", a comprehensive bibliography of works on Asia.

2. Karl Gottlieb Justi (1806-1853), a German lawyer and politician who served as the first mayor of Hamburg after the city's political reorganization in 1842.

3. Friedrich Theodor Justi (1793-1876), a German classical archaeologist and philologist, known for his work on Greek mythology and epic poetry.

4. Georg Justi (1805-1871), a German historian who is considered one of the founders of modern German legal history. His most notable work is "Geschichte der Deutschen Staatsrecht", a comprehensive history of German constitutional law.

5. Ludwig Justi (1864-1923), a German botanist and plant collector, who made significant contributions to the study of tropical flora, particularly in Central America and Southeast Asia.

Genealogical research on the last name Justi

The surname Justi is believed to have originated from Germany and is derived from the Middle High German "gerecht" meaning 'just', or 'righteous'. Variants such as Just, Juste, and Joust are also found. The family is documented in various regions of Germany since the 13th century. Notable members include Johann Albrecht von Justi, a prominent jurist and economist from Hesse, and Friedrich Justi, a German writer and journalist from Brandenburg. The surname Justi has also been recorded among German immigrants in other countries, particularly in the United States, Canada, and Australia.

It's important to note that genealogical research on this surname is vast due to its long history and geographical distribution. Genealogists can access various resources such as church records, census data, immigration lists, and historical documents to trace their family history. Online databases have made it easier for researchers to connect with others who share the same surname and collaborate on shared ancestry.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Justi"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 28 July 2025

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