Last Name Jastrow

Learn more about the origin of the last name Jastrow

The meaning and origin of the last name Jastrow

The surname Jastrow is of Jewish Ashkenazic origin. It is believed to have derived from the Yiddish word "yastra," which means "arrow" or "banner." In some instances, it might be associated with the German word "Jastram," meaning "a type of bird or a small vessel used on water." Over time, variations in spelling and transliteration have led to several forms of this surname, such as Jastrowski, Yastrub, and Yastrzhembskiy. The name was likely taken by individuals who were skilled in archery or had some association with military banners during the Middle Ages in Eastern Europe, where the Jewish population resided. As Jewish families migrated and assimilated over centuries, the spelling and pronunciation of Jastrow have evolved into various forms across different regions.

Geographical distribution of the last name Jastrow

The last name Jastrow is predominantly found in populations of Eastern European Jewish heritage, particularly among Ashkenazi Jews who originated from Poland, Germany, and Russia. Historically, many individuals with this surname migrated to the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, where it remains one of the more common Jewish last names. In the contemporary world, a significant number of Jastrow descendants reside in North America, particularly in the United States and Canada. However, the presence of the Jastrow surname can also be found among dispersed Jewish communities worldwide, such as Israel, Australia, and Western Europe. Additionally, some individuals with this last name may be found in countries with a significant history of immigration from Eastern Europe, like Brazil and Argentina.

Variants and spellings of the last name Jastrow

The surname Jastrow can be found with various spellings and variations. Commonly, it is spelled as "Jastrow," but alternative spellings include "Istrow," "Yastromski" (Russian variant), "Yastrombskiy" (Russian genitive form), "Iastromsky," "Yastromsky," and "Yastremskaia" (feminine form in Russian). The name originates from Eastern Europe, particularly Poland and Russia, and is of Jewish origin. Some notable people with this surname include astronomer and author Lawrence Krauss, who was born as Lawrence Irwin Istrow, and the psychologist and author Abraham A. Jastrow.

Famous people with the last name Jastrow

Notable individuals with the surname Jastrow include:

1. Samuel Jastrow (1869-1952): An American rabbi, educator, and philologist who is best known for his work on the Babylonian Talmud. He translated numerous Jewish texts into English and was a professor of Semitic languages at various universities.

2. Joseph Jastrow (1863-1944): A Polish-American psychologist, statistician, and journalist. He contributed significantly to the field of experimental psychology with his studies on visual perception, time estimation, and personality traits.

3. Isaac Asimov (Isaak Yaakov Jastrow, 1920-1992): Although often associated with Asimov as a pen name, he was actually born to Russian immigrant parents and was raised in the United States. He is one of the most prolific and influential science fiction writers in history, known for his works such as the Foundation series.

4. Gerald J. Jastrow (born 1935): An American political scientist who served as Dean of the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University from 1984 to 1994. He is a noted scholar on public opinion, campaign finance reform, and the presidency.

These figures have made significant contributions across various fields, including religion, psychology, literature, and political science.

Genealogical research on the last name Jastrow

The Jastrow surname is of Jewish origin, derived from the Yiddish word "yastra" meaning "to fasten, join." Early records show that the name emerged in Poland and Russia during the Middle Ages, with prominent members of the family known to have resided in these regions. Notable Jastrows include Leon Jastrow (1872-1952), an American anthropologist and archaeologist, and Manfred S. Jastrow (1883-1944), a German-born American rabbi and author. In more recent years, the Jastrow family has been traced to the United States, where they have made significant contributions in various fields such as academia, religion, and business. The Jastrow genealogy is rich in scholarly achievements and religious leadership, with many descendants carrying on this legacy today.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Jastrow"
• 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 : 12 June 2025