Poindexter Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Poindexter come from? What does the surname Poindexter mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Poindexter and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Poindexter Origin: What does the last name Poindexter mean?
The surname Poindexter is of Jèrriais origin, originating from the island of Jersey between Britain and France. It is a variation of the original form Poingdestre, commonly found in the United States. Notable individuals with the Poindexter surname include American astronaut Alan G. Poindexter, American politician Charles Poindexter, and American jazz musician Pony Poindexter.
YourRoots data indicates that the Poindexter surname first appeared in records from England in the early 16th century. The surname remained closely associated with England and Jersey from the 16th to the 18th centuries. By the 20th century, the volume of records with the Poindexter surname grew significantly in the United States, where it remains prominent today. The surname has also been found in countries like Jersey, showcasing its global spread over the centuries.
Poindexter Last Name History: Where did the last name Poindexter come from?
Origin of Poindexter Surname: Where does the last name Poindexter originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Poindexter first appeared in records from England around the early 16th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact Poindexter spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Poindexter: What does the Poindexter surname history look like in the early days?
The Poindexter surname remained closely associated with England and Jersey from the 16th to the 18th centuries. YourRoots data also shows Poindexter family records in countries like the United States, indicating global spread over the centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Poindexter surname today?
By the 20th century, the volume of records with the Poindexter surname grew significantly in the United States. The Poindexter surname remains prominent in the United States. It appears in many countries, including Jersey.
Explore Poindexter last name heritage and Poindexter surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Poindexter Surame?
John Poindexter
John Marlan Poindexter (August 12, 1936 - present) is a retired United States naval officer and Department of Defense official. He served as Deputy National Security Advisor and National Security Advisor during the Reagan administration. He was involved in the Iran–Contra affair, where he was convicted of multiple felonies in 1990, but the convictions were reversed on appeal in 1991. Poindexter also briefly served as the director of the DARPA Information Awareness Office during the George W. Bush administration. He is the father of NASA astronaut and U.S. Navy Captain Alan G. Poindexter.
Camilla Poindexter
Camilla Poindexter is an American reality television star and model best known for her appearances on Oxygen network's hit reality show, Bad Girls Club, and its spin-offs. She also appeared on America's Next Top Model and E! Network's House of Villains. Poindexter's catchphrase "I'm not the one!" and her memorable feuds with fellow cast members have solidified her as a fan favorite in the reality TV world. With a background in modeling and television hosting, she continues to make waves in the entertainment industry.
Larry Poindexter
Larry Poindexter (December 16, 1959 - present) is an American actor and singer known for his roles in popular TV shows like "S.W.A.T.," "General Hospital," and "JAG." He has also appeared in soap operas, sitcoms, and movies such as "Blade: The Series" and "How I Met Your Mother." Beyond acting, Poindexter was the lead singer of the alternative country band The High Lonesome in the 1990s. He has also worked as a producer for Broadway shows like "The Cher Show." With a diverse career in entertainment, Poindexter continues to captivate audiences with his talent and versatility.
Alan G. Poindexter
Alan Goodwin "Dex" Poindexter (November 5, 1961 – July 1, 2012) was an American naval officer and NASA astronaut known for his missions aboard Space Shuttles STS-122 and STS-131. Poindexter had a successful military career in the U.S. Navy, logging over 4,000 hours in various aircraft types and completing over 450 carrier landings. After retiring from the NASA Astronaut Corps in 2010, he continued to serve in the Navy. Poindexter's dedication to space exploration and his contributions to the International Space Station missions have left a lasting impact on the world of aerospace.
Miles Poindexter
Miles Poindexter (April 22, 1868 – September 21, 1946) was an American lawyer and politician who served as a U.S. representative and senator from Washington. He also held the position of United States Ambassador to Peru. Poindexter was known for his political career as a Republican and briefly as a Progressive, as well as his controversial actions during World War I and the First Red Scare. He ran for the Republican Party presidential primaries in 1920 and later served as U.S. Ambassador to Peru. Poindexter's legacy includes his committee chairmanships and his family ties to notable historical figures.
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