Just
A surname that likely began as a nickname for an upright or fair person, though some cases may go back to an old personal name.
The #8,710 most common surname in the United States (2010 Census) — about 1 in every 81,917 Americans shares it.
Etymology
Lower says Just may come from probity of character, meaning it was first used for someone seen as upright, honest, or fair. He also allows another possibility: that it reflects an ancient personal name. The word itself is ultimately tied to Latin justus, “just” or “righteous,” through Old French and Anglo-Norman usage.
History
The surname appears in medieval English records, and Lower notes forms such as Le Just, which support a descriptive nickname origin. Some bearers may instead descend from a personal name, so the surname is not always from the same source in every family. A place-name connection is also possible in some lines, since Saint-Just is a parish name in Cornwall.
Origin
Regions
Variant spellings
Fun fact
Lower specifically remarks that medieval records include Le Just and even a feminine form, Iva la Justice.
From the historical record
“by Jews." Halliw. JUST. From probity of character; or more probably from an ancient personal name. Saiut Just gives name to a Cornish parish. JUSTICE. A magistrate ; probably ap- plied as a sobriquet. Justice was, however, personified in the old miracle plays. See particularly Hone's Anc. Mysteries, p. 38. et seq.…”
— Patronymica Britannica: a dictionary of the family names of the United Kingdom