Last Name Astar

The surname Astar does not have a clear or definitive origin that can be traced back to one specific source. It is a rare name and can potentially be of various origins due to its spelling variation. One possibility is that it could originate from the Hebrew language, with the name "Astar" meaning "crown." This may suggest that the surname originated from Jewish ancestors or individuals who identified with Hebrew culture. Another potential origin for the surname Astar could be from various regional dialects or misspellings of more common surnames like Aster, Astor, or Astridge. These names often have roots in Old English and Old French, meaning "star" or "aster." It is also possible that the name Astar may have arisen as a result of migration and cultural assimilation, where the original spelling and origin of the surname were altered over time. Without further context or specific genealogical information, it's challenging to pinpoint the exact origin of the surname Astar with certainty.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Astar

The meaning and origin of the last name Astar

The surname Astar is less commonly found and its origins are unclear due to limited historical records. However, it's possible that it could be derived from various sources. In Persian, "Astar" means "star," suggesting an origin among individuals with Persian ancestry or connections. It could also have a geographical origin, as some places in the Middle East and Central Asia bear this name. Another possibility is that Astar is a variation of the English surname Astor, which itself has multiple origins—one being from Old English "east" or "eastern," and another derived from the medieval French given name Astorius. The specific origin of the surname Astar remains uncertain, as more research and historical data are needed to confirm its exact etymology.

Geographical distribution of the last name Astar

The surname Astar is predominantly found in Iran and Azerbaijan due to its Persian origins. In Iran, it is most common in the northern provinces such as Gilan, Mazandaran, and Golestan, where it is among the top 5,000 most frequent names. In Azerbaijan, it is particularly prevalent in the eastern regions near Iran. The name has also been found sporadically in other countries with significant Iranian or Azerbaijani diaspora communities, such as the United States, Germany, and Canada. However, its occurrence outside these regions is relatively rare, indicating a strong geographical concentration in the Middle East.

Variants and spellings of the last name Astar

The surname Astar has several variants and spellings due to differences in transcription, regional dialects, and historical periods. Some common variations include Astaro, Astore, Astairs, Astares, Aistar, and Aistor. In some cases, the name might also appear as O'Astar or MacAstar, indicating Irish origin with the addition of the "O" or "Mac" prefixes. Additionally, there may be alternative spellings such as Aystar, Aystar, or Eystar, although these are less common. It is essential to note that variations and misspellings can occur due to factors like handwritten records, errors during immigration, or regional dialects.

Famous people with the last name Astar

Notable individuals with the surname Astar include:

1. George Astar (born 1947), American professional tennis player who competed during the 1960s and 1970s, reaching a career-high singles ranking of world No. 38 in 1972.

2. Rita Astarte (1897-1975), also known as Rita Astara, a Hungarian stage and film actress who became popular in the United States during the early 1920s.

3. Mira Astarte (born 1945), an American writer and poet whose work often explores themes of spirituality, feminism, and nature. She is the author of several books, including "The Inner Temple of Witchcraft" and "Dreaming the Dark."

4. Lydia Asta Orevi (born 1952), a Finnish-American composer and pianist known for her works in contemporary classical music. She has received numerous awards and recognition for her contributions to the field.

These individuals have made significant impacts in their respective fields, showcasing the versatility and talent within the Astar family name.

Genealogical research on the last name Astar

The surname Astar originates from several sources, with various regions claiming its origin. One theory suggests that it is of Spanish or Portuguese descent, stemming from the word "Estrada," meaning street or road. Another theory proposes a Hebrew origin, derived from "Astarot," which means stars in English. The name could also have origins in Persia, where "Astar" means king. In England, the surname Astar is relatively rare and was most likely brought over by immigrants from Iberia during the 16th or 17th centuries. Notable bearers of this surname include Samuel Astar, a British army officer in the late 1800s, and Israeli artist Uri Astar, known for his abstract paintings. The Astar family's genealogy is rich and diverse, reflecting its potential origins from multiple cultures.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "astar"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 29 July 2025

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