Last Name Castor

The surname Castor is of Greek origin. It derives from the ancient Greek word "Κάστωρ" (Kastōr), which means "beaver." This name was initially a given name and was later adopted as a surname. The use of the name Castor can be traced back to classical mythology, where the Dioscuri (the Gemini twins) were known as Castor and Pollux. The Romanized form of Castor's name is Casтор, from which various forms of the surname Castor have evolved in different languages throughout history. For instance, in Old French, it became Castore, Castors, or Caster; in Middle English, it was Cas(t)er and Castre; and in Modern English, it eventually became Castor. It is also possible that the surname Castor could have come from a medieval occupation related to beavers or their fur trade, but the connection remains unproven as compared to its origins in Greek mythology. The name has been widely distributed across Europe and later the Americas due to migration and colonization.

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The meaning and origin of the last name Castor

The surname Castor is of Latin origin, derived from the name of the twins Castor and Pollux in Greek mythology. In Roman mythology, Castor was one of the Dioscuri, the twin sons of Zeus (Jupiter) and Leda. Castor and his brother Pollux were known for their bravery and strength. The surname Castor is thought to have been either a nickname for someone who was as courageous as the mythological twins or a topographic name for someone who lived near a place named with this word, which means "hunter" in Latin. Over time, the spelling of the surname has evolved from Castor to Castor, Castour, and other variations, but the original meaning remains the same.

Geographical distribution of the last name Castor

The surname Castor has a significant presence across various regions globally, reflecting its historical origins and migrations. Originating from the Latin word for 'the eastern twin' in Greek mythology, it is believed to have originated in France, Italy, and Spain, where it remains common due to its association with early Christian saints. Today, it is also widely distributed in Portuguese-speaking countries such as Brazil and Portugal, due to historical ties and immigration. In English-speaking countries like the United States and Canada, it is a result of migration from European nations, particularly France and Italy. Furthermore, some occurrences can be traced back to African countries due to the slave trade and subsequent migrations. Overall, the Castor surname demonstrates a global dispersal pattern shaped by historical events and cultural exchanges over centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Castor

The surname Castor has multiple variants and spellings across different regions and time periods. Some common variations include Castor, Castoer, Castoeur, Castour, CasTor, CasTore, and Kastor. These variations may arise due to transcription errors during historical records or adaptations as families migrated and assimilated into new cultures. In some cases, the name may also have been intentionally altered for personal or professional reasons. Regardless of the spelling, the surname Castor is believed to originate from the Latin word "castus," meaning pure or chaste.

Famous people with the last name Castor

The Castor family has produced several notable figures across various fields. One of the most recognized is Scott Castleman Castor, an American businessman and philanthropist who co-founded Castor & Pollux, a company that created the first commercial soy milk in the United States. In the world of sports, Jimmie Castor was a professional American football player who played as a linebacker for teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Jets. Another notable figure is Alexander Castor, a British author known for his historical fiction and fantasy novels, including "The Grail: Quest for the Eternal Stone" series. Lastly, in the realm of music, Charles Castor, better known as Buddy Castle, was an American jazz musician who played trumpet in various bands throughout the 1950s and 1960s. These individuals showcase the diversity and accomplishments of those bearing the last name Castor.

Genealogical research on the last name Castor

The surname Castor is of Latin origin and means "aster" or "star". It has been found as a surname in several countries, including France, Italy, Spain, and Portugal, among others. One notable figure with the last name Castor is Giuseppe Castorini, an Italian-born American businessman who founded the Castorini Shoe Company in New York City in 1895. In genealogical records, variations of the name include Castorina, Castore, and Castoro, among others. The earliest known recorded spelling of the surname is that of Petrus Castor, which appeared in the Archives des Comtes de Flandre in France during the 12th century. The Castor family crest features three stars arranged in a triangular formation, symbolizing strength and protection.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Castor"
• 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 : 27 July 2025

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