kuster

Kuster is a surname of German origin. It derives from the Middle High German küster, meaning church custodian or sexton, an occupational name given to someone who served in a parish church.

Variants include Küster, Kuester, and Kuester. In German-speaking regions the form Küster remains common, while non-German contexts often render the name without diacritics as Kuster or Kuester. The form without umlauts is also a typical transliteration among emigrant communities.

Geographic distribution: Today the name is most often found in Germany and Switzerland, with populations in Austria and diaspora communities in the United States, Canada, Australia, and parts of South America.

Origin and usage: As an occupational surname, Kuster is part of a broader category of German surnames derived from medieval parish employment. The name does not signify a particular lineage beyond its historical association with church administration.

Notable bearers: The surname has appeared among individuals in various fields, including academia, the arts, and sports, but there is no single universally recognized figure associated with the name.