Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • First Name Meanings
      • Last Name Meanings
      • Individual Records Search
      • Family Trees Support
      • Start a New Tree
      • Upload a GEDCOM
      Loading
      • Search All Records
      • Census & Electoral Rolls
      • Birth, Marriage & Death, including Parish
      • Military
      • Wills & Probate
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Schools, Directories & Church Histories
      • Public Member Trees
      • Card Catalogue
      • Member Search
      Memories
      Loading
      • Register a kit
      • AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
      • Traits Learning Hub
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA® Support
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Discover More Family Names with an Ancestry 14-day Free Trial* 
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Blog
      • About Us
      • Site Map
      • Gift Memberships
      • Careers
        • Ancestry Corporate
        • Fold3.com
        • ForcesWarRecords.com
        • Geneanet.org
        • Newspapers.com
        • ProGenealogists.com
        • RootsWeb.com
      • © 2002-2026 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Cookies
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company
      Group of people

      Meaning of the first name Dempster

      Origin

      English

      Meaning

      Judge

      Variations

      Demeter, Dempsey, Destery
      The name Dempster has its origins in England, derived from the Old English word dmpestre, which can be broken down into dman meaning to judge and stre meaning a female suffix. Taken together, the name Dempster ultimately translates to female judge. This name originated during medieval times when the role of a judge was predominantly male, making it a notable and distinctive name.

      Throughout history, the name Dempster has been associated with individuals holding positions of legal authority, particularly in Scotland. In ancient times, Dempsters were known as judges or jurists who presided over legal proceedings, ensured fairness, and rendered verdicts. Their role was crucial in maintaining order and justice in Scottish society. Over time, the Dempster name became a symbol of wisdom, knowledge of the law, and impartial judgment.

      In modern-day usage, the name Dempster still appears in various contexts, albeit less frequently. It is often found as a name, occasionally used as a given name to honor a family heritage, or even employed metaphorically to signify someone who possesses a strong sense of justice or an astute legal mind. Despite its declining popularity, the name Dempster serves as a reminder of the historical importance of judges and the judicial system, as well as the significance of fairness and equity in society.

      Based on our records...

      Kirkwood

      Kirkwood

      This is the most common surname associated with Dempster.
      Elizabeth

      Elizabeth

      This is the most common name of those married to a Dempster.
      Dempster

      Dempster

      This is the most common name for a child of a Dempster.
      Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. - © Mapbox - © OpenStreetMap - Improve this map

      What are you curious about?

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Start a free trial
      Order AncestryDNA
      calendar.webp
      Based on our records...

      Did you know?

      1869 is when there were the most people born with the first name Dempster.

      Explore the origins of another name.