This interesting and unusual name has two possible origins. Most likely it is the Anglicized form of the Gaelic name, "Mac Coiste", or "Mac Oiste", which probably translates as "the son of (mac)" the coach maker (coiste, coach carraige). One variant of the name is "Custy" which appeared in the Clare Freeholders records in 1821, and is believed to be still extant in West Clare. According to tradition Mac Coiste, originated as a surname with Roger (Hodge) Merrick, a Mayo Welshman who was killed in 1276, hence the name derived from Hodge, a pet form of Roger. The name appears in Irish records as MacCosty(e), MacCosto, MacHostie, MacHoste, MacQuist etc.. Many Anglicized forms of Gaelic Irish names are found in England and America and were introduced there by Irish immigrants, especially in the period 1845-1847. The name in England may also have derived from the Old French "oste" hoste, host, guest, possibly occupational for an Inn Keeper. One Jacobe Hoste was christened in London at St. Mary at Hill on July 7th 1577. Moses Hostey was christened at St. Giles Cripplegate London on December 26th 1727, while Honor Hosty daughter of Thomas and Margaret was christened on August 28th 1864, in County Mayo, Ireland. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Elias le Host, which was dated 1254, in the Assize Court Rolls of Somerset, during the reign of King Henry 111, known as "The Frenchman", 1216 - 1272. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.

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