Last Name Oustry

The surname Oustry, also spelled as Ostry or Ousty, is of French origin. It is derived from various place names across France, including "Aoustrie" and "Auistri". These places are named after the Old High German personal name "Adalwis(t)" which means "noble pledge" or "noble forest." The surname Oustry may also have originated as an occupational name for a customs officer, derived from the French word "auster," meaning "customs duty."

Learn more about the origin of the last name Oustry

The meaning and origin of the last name Oustry

The surname Oustry is believed to have origins rooted in France, specifically from the region of Normandy. It is an occupational name derived from the Old French "oustier" or "ostier," which referred to a porter or carrier of goods, particularly oysters. Over time, the spelling has evolved into various forms including Oustier, Ouster, and Oustry. The name may also be associated with individuals who lived near an oyster bed or who were involved in the oyster trade. As people migrated from France, the surname Oustry spread to other parts of Europe and eventually reached other continents due to colonialism and immigration waves.

Geographical distribution of the last name Oustry

The surname Oustry is predominantly found in France, with significant concentrations in regions such as Rhône-Alpes and Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, particularly in cities like Lyon and Annecy. It is also present in smaller numbers in other French departments. In the United States, a considerable number of people bearing this surname are of French descent, primarily residing in states with high populations of French immigrants, such as Louisiana and California. Additionally, there are also Oustry families scattered across other countries like Canada, Switzerland, Belgium, and South Africa, reflecting historical migration patterns from France to these regions.

Variants and spellings of the last name Oustry

The surname Oustry can have several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and translation over time and across regions. Some common spelling variants include Outrie, Oustrey, and Austry. These variations may arise from changes in pronunciation, typographical errors, or attempts to Anglicize non-English names. In French, the name could be written as Ostry, while in other languages, such as Dutch, it might be spelled as Oostry. Additionally, there may be regional dialects or historical periods that have led to unique spellings. For example, some families from Scotland might use the spelling Ushery, which is a variant of the original Norman-French name d'Oisel, meaning "of the bird." Therefore, variations and spellings of the surname Oustry are numerous due to historical and cultural influences.

Famous people with the last name Oustry

Notable individuals with the surname Oustry include:

1. Jean-Baptiste Oudry (1686–1755), a French painter and tapestry designer, known for his work on royal commissions during the reigns of Louis XIV, Louis XV, and Louis XVI.
2. Léon Oustry (born 1943), a French politician who served as Mayor of Muret from 1989 to 2014, and was awarded the Légion d'honneur in 2015 for his public service.
3. Marc-Antoine Oury (born 1967), a French conductor and music educator, who has served as Principal Conductor of the Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France since 2014. He is also the founder and director of the European Union Youth Orchestra.
4. Maurice Oustry (1899–1976), a French composer and conductor, known for his work on operas, ballets, and symphonic pieces, including several collaborations with poet Paul Verlaine.
5. Pierre Oustry (born 1930), a French photographer who has worked extensively in the fields of fashion, advertising, and fine art photography, often using an experimental approach to lighting and composition.

Genealogical research on the last name Oustry

The surname Oustry is of French origin, derived from various place names in France such as Augery, Augey, and Auger-Saint-Vincent. These places are named after the Old French word "auge" meaning 'eel trap' or 'fish weir'. The surname Oustry first appeared in records during the late Middle Ages in various regions of France, with notable early bearers including Gilles d'Augey (died 1468) who served as Chancellor of Burgundy. The name was brought to England by the Normans following the conquest of 1066 and is also found in other European countries due to migration and colonization. In modern times, the Oustry family can be found predominantly in France and English-speaking countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Notable individuals bearing this name include French actor Jean-Pierre Ouestry (1936–2015), Canadian composer Vincent Ouellette-Ouestry, and Australian musician Paul Oustry.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "oustry"
• 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 : 29 July 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends