by Jim Young (guest)
3/23/2013, 7:16 AM
I don't know where the idea comes from that sexton and sacristan are 'fairly modern'. Sexton, spelt 'Sekestain' is found as a surname in England in the early 14th century, forms of the word Sacristan even earlier. Sexton derives from sacristan.
The French, Russians and Ukrainians have surnames based on this occupation (?office). Others too no doubt.