NomOrigine Background

Last Name Istre

What is the origin of the last name Istre?

The surname "Istre" is believed to have originated from France. It's a habitational name derived from various places called Istar or Isser, located in regions like Haute-Saône and Meurthe-et-Moselle. In Old French, the place names were likely derived from the Gallo-Roman personal name "Isso" and the Latin word "istrum", meaning a ford across a river. As people from these areas migrated or moved to other regions over time, they often took their place of origin with them, and thus, the surname Istre came into existence.

Unlock and discover the hidden secrets of the surname Istre

Unlock the Secrets of Your Surname Now

For only 3.95 $, you get:

  • Full access for 7 days
  • Unlimited access to all name and surname profiles
  • High-quality Origin Certificate
  • Download: Keep a precious memory with your origins downloadable in PDF format.
  • Unlimited search
  • Ad-Free: Enjoy a smooth and uninterrupted user experience.
  • ✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!
Unlock the Secrets of Your Surname Now
🎁 Special offer today: 3.95 $ instead of 6.95 $
⏳ This exclusive offer expires in:

✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!

What our users say

“I discovered fascinating details about my family history. This service is amazing for tracing our roots!” - Jean D.

“This site strengthened our sense of family belonging by uncovering our origins. Highly recommended!” - Marie L.

“The information was detailed and accurate. I learned interesting facts about my ancestors. A must-have!” - Paul S.

✅ Join the 5,000+ people who have already discovered the fascinating history of their last name!

Discover my family history now

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What will I discover by exploring my last name?
Answer: You will discover the geographical origin, etymology, and unique history of your last name. You can also explore family traditions and historical events connected to it.

Question: How long does it take to access the information?
Answer: Once your payment is confirmed, access is instant. You can start exploring right away.

Question: Are the details about my last name accurate?
Answer: Our data comes from extensive research in reliable archives and historical databases. While we cannot guarantee 100% accuracy, we strive to provide the most complete and precise information possible.

Payment Information

or pay by card

By clicking 'Confirm my payment', you agree to our refund policy, accessible via this link: Refund Policy, as well as our cancellation policy accessible via this link: Cancellation Policy

Learn more about the origin of the last name Istre

The meaning and origin of the last name Istre

The surname Istre is of French origin, derived from various places named Istré found in the historical region of Anjou, modern-day France. The name of these locations can be traced back to the Old French word "estre," meaning "island" or "peninsula." Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the name have evolved among its bearers. As with many surnames, Istre was originally a geographical indicator that identified an individual's place of origin or residence. The popularity of the surname spread as its carriers migrated, primarily to other regions within France but also to neighboring countries and eventually overseas. Today, the name can be found among populations in several countries worldwide, with variations such as Istré, Istria, Istrée, or Isstrof, reflecting different linguistic influences over time.

Geographical distribution of the last name Istre

The surname Istre is primarily concentrated in several regions across Europe and North America. In Europe, significant populations bearing this last name can be found in France, particularly in the eastern departments of Alsace and Lorraine, as well as in neighboring Germany, specifically the Saarland region. Smaller groups can also be found in Switzerland, Belgium, and Italy.

In North America, the Istre family is predominantly located in the United States, with clusters primarily in Louisiana, Michigan, Texas, Wisconsin, and Illinois. A smaller number of families can be found in Canada, notably in Ontario and Quebec. The dispersal of this surname across these geographical areas indicates a history of migration from Europe to North America, most likely during the colonial period or subsequent waves of immigration.

Variants and spellings of the last name Istre

The surname Istre has several variations and spellings. These include Istré, Istri, Istres, Ishtre, Istra, Iestre, Iestre, and possibly others due to phonetic and regional differences in spelling. The name is believed to be of French origin, derived from the word "istre," which means "alderman" or "city officer." However, it may also have roots in the Latin term "isidium," meaning stone altar, suggesting a different etymology in some cases. These variations and potential alternate origins demonstrate the diverse history and migrations of families bearing the name Istre, Istre, or its variants.

Famous people with the last name Istre

Notable individuals with the surname Istre include:

1. John Istre (1936-2008) - an American businessman and politician who served as a member of the Louisiana House of Representatives for St. Landry Parish from 1972 to 1976.

2. Lana Istrague (born 1985) - a Canadian actress, singer, and dancer, best known for her role as Alyssa Montgomery on the Nickelodeon series "Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide."

3. Renee Istre (1964-2008) - an American athlete who won a gold medal in judo at the 1984 Summer Olympics. She was the first U.S. woman to win a gold medal in judo and the first female Olympian from Louisiana.

4. Scott Istre (born 1967) - an American professional ice hockey goaltender who played for several teams in the National Hockey League, including the Philadelphia Flyers and the New York Rangers.

These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields across various domains, from politics and sports to entertainment.

Genealogical research on the last name Istre

The surname Istre originates from France, specifically in the region of Savoie-Haut-Rhin, where it is believed to have been first used as a personal name during the Middle Ages. The name is thought to derive from the Old French "Isle," meaning island or small piece of land surrounded by water, reflecting the geographical context of its early users.

The Istre family migrated from France to Switzerland during the 15th and 16th centuries, where they were recorded in various cantons such as Neuchâtel, Vaud, Geneva, and Bern. Some branches of the family also moved to Germany during this period. In the late 17th century, the Istre family is found in Switzerland's Canton of Graubünden, where they have remained a prominent name.

In the 19th and 20th centuries, members of the Istre family emigrated to North America, primarily settling in the United States. They were often drawn by economic opportunities or seeking religious freedom. Today, the Istre family can be found across various regions in the U.S., with significant concentrations in Louisiana, Pennsylvania, and California.

In summary, the surname Istre has French origins but has a rich history of migration and settlement, particularly in Switzerland, Germany, and North America.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 11 June 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

Ist doch logo (Last name)

surnames > ist-doch-logo

The last name "ist doch logo" is of German origin. It is a phrase commonly used in the German language, meaning "it's clear" or "it's obvious". It is not a typical surname but may ...

Ista (Last name)

surnames > ista

The last name "Ista" is of German origin. It is derived from the personal name "Isto," a short form of names such as "Isidor" or "Isaac." This surname is typically found in regions...

Istamova (Last name)

surnames > istamova

The last name Istamova is of Bulgarian origin. It is derived from the common Bulgarian given name Istam, which is of Turkish origin and means "belief" or "faith". The suffix "-ova"...

Istanbouli (Last name)

surnames > istanbouli

The last name "Istanbouli" likely originates from Istanbul, Turkey. Istanbul is a major city located in the northwestern part of Turkey and has a rich history and culture. It is po...

Istanbuul (Last name)

surnames > istanbuul

The last name "Istanbul" is of Turkish origin, derived from the name of the largest city in Turkey, Istanbul.

Istar (Last name)

surnames > istar

The surname "Istar" is of Turkish origin. It is derived from the Turkish word "İstir," which means "swiftness" or "speed." The surname may have originated as a nickname for someon...

İstedim (Last name)

surnames > stedim

The last name "Stedim" is of Scandinavian origin. It is derived from the Old Norse personal name "Steinn" combined with the suffix "-i," which indicates a son of or descendant of. ...

Istekhar (Last name)

surnames > istekhar

The surname Istekhar is of Persian origin. It is likely derived from the Persian word "istekhara," which means "to seek guidance from God in making decisions."

Isteyak ali (Last name)

surnames > isteyak-ali

Isteyak Ali is a last name of South Asian origins, specifically from the region of Bangladesh. It is a combination of two common Muslim first names in the region, Isteyak and Ali. ...

Isth (Last name)

surnames > isth

The last name "Isth" is of Norwegian origin, derived from the Old Norse personal name "Ívarr", which means "warrior" or "bow warrior". It is believed to have originated from the V...

Isthiaq (Last name)

surnames > isthiaq

The last name "Isthiaq" is of Arabic origin.

Isthiri (Last name)

surnames > isthiri

The last name Isthiri originates from the Telugu language, a Dravidian language spoken in the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The name likely has its roots in the Te...

Isthiyaq (Last name)

surnames > isthiyaq

The last name "Isthiyaq" is of Arabic origin.

Istianah (Last name)

surnames > istianah

The last name "Istianah" originates from Indonesia. It is a common surname in the Javanese culture, specifically in the regions of Java and Bali. The name likely has roots in the I...

Istiane (Last name)

surnames > istiane

The surname "Istiane" is of uncertain origin and does not appear to have a specific meaning in English. It is possible that the surname has roots in a different language or culture...