English and French: in medieval times this did not denote a rank in the army, but was an occupational name for a servant, Middle English, Old French sergent (Latin serviens, genitive servientis, present participle of servire ‘to serve’). The surname probably originated for the most part in this sense, but the word also developed various more specialized meanings, being used for example as a technical term for a tenant by military service below the rank of a knight, and as the name for any of certain administrative and legal officials in different localities, which may also have contributed to the development of the surname. The sense ‘non-commissioned officer’ did not arise until the 16th century.
FOREBEARS William Sargent (1624–1717) came to Gloucester, MA, from Devon, England before 1678. Many of his descendants distinguished themselves in the civil and military affairs of the colonies and some in literary or artistic paths, notably the portrait painter John Singer Sargent (1856–1925).
