ASTOR
Astor
The Astor family is a renowned British-American dynasty with origins in Germany. The surname is believed to have originated from the Old English word "eostre," meaning "eastern," possibly indicating an eastern or Easterly direction.
Family History
The prominence of the Astor family is largely attributed to John Jacob Astor (1763–1848), who emigrated from Germany to the United States in the late 18th century and established himself as one of the wealthiest individuals in America through shrewd investments in real estate, fur trading, and other ventures.
British Connection
Although the Astor family's rise to prominence began in the United States, they have strong ties to Britain. John Jacob Astor's descendants, including William Waldorf Astor and Nancy Astor, Viscountess Astor, played significant roles in British society. William Waldorf Astor, 1st Viscount Astor (1848–1919), became a prominent figure in British politics and society, acquiring notable properties such as Cliveden House. Nancy Astor (1879–1964) made history as the first woman to sit as a Member of Parliament in the House of Commons.
Legacy
The Astor family's legacy extends beyond their business and political achievements. They have made significant contributions to philanthropy, art, and culture, leaving a lasting impact on both sides of the Atlantic.
The surname Astor continues to be associated with wealth, influence, and philanthropy, embodying a rich tapestry of transatlantic history and achievement.
Typical given names associated with the Astor surname
Male
- Charles
- David
- James
- Jeffrey
- John
- Julian
- Nicholas
- Peter
- Philip
- Richard
- Thomas
- William
Female
- Angela
- Bronwen
- Caroline
- Clare
- Daphne
- Emily
- Fiona
- Jane
- Jessica
- Kathleen
- Lucy
- Rose
- Sharon
- Tania
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.
How to communicate the surname Astor in...
Braille
⠁⠎⠞⠕⠗
Morse
.-...----.-.
Semaphore
There are approximately 191 people named Astor in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around three in a million people in Britain are named Astor.
Origin: English
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: England
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: English
Famous people named Astor
- William Astor, 4th Viscount Astor - Businessman and politician
- William Astor, 3rd Viscount Astor - Businessman and politician (1907 to 1966)
- Michael Astor - Politician (1916 to 1980)
- Nancy Astor, Viscountess Astor - First female Member of Parliament to take her seat (1879 to 1964)
- John Jacob Astor - American businessman, real estate builder, investor, inventor, writer, lieutenant colonel (1864 to 1912)
- Waldorf Astor, 2nd Viscount Astor - American-born English politician and newspaper proprietor (1879 to 1952)
- Jakie Astor - Politician (1918 to 2000)
- John Astor, 3rd Baron Astor of Hever - Businessman and politician
- David Astor - Newspaper publisher, member of Astor family (1912 to 2001)
- Gavin Astor, 2nd Baron Astor of Hever - Soldier and publisher (1918 to 1984)
- John Astor - Politician (1923 to 1987)
- Bronwen Astor - Model (1930 to 2017)
- Irene Astor, Baroness Astor of Hever - Philanthropist (1919 to 2001)
Names and descriptions courtesy of Wikipedia, and may contain errors. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of every famous person with this name.