Sangster is an English and Scottish surname of early medieval origin. It derives from the Old English word singan, meaning "to sing, to chant," and is an occupational name for a professional singer or a nickname for someone with a pleasant singing voice.Etymology and HistoryThe name belongs to a class of surnames formed from occupations, common across Europe in the Middle Ages. In England and Scotland, similar surnames like Singer, Sangster, and Sanger arose from the same root. The agent suffix -ster was used to denote a person who performed an action, particularly in trades (e.g., brewster, webster). Thus, Sangster literally means "singer."Notable BearersNotable individuals with the surname include Canadian poet Charles Sangster (1822–1893); Sir Donald Sangster (1911–1967), a former Prime Minister of Jamaica; Welsh screenwriter Jimmy Sangster (1927–2011); English racehorse owner Robert Sangster (1936–2004); and Australian jazz musician John Sangster (1928–1995).DistributionThe Sangster surname is primarily found in England, Scotland, and regions of the former British Empire, particularly Canada and Australia.Summary FactsMeaning: Occupational name for a singerOrigin: English, ScottishRoot: Old English singan "to singType: Occupational surnameRegions of Use: United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Jamaica