Origin of your surname and forename !
NomOrigine

Last Name Kwaster

Discover my family history now

What is the origin of the last name Kwaster?

The surname Kwaster is of German origin and is a variant of Quast or Quasten, which are derived from an occupational name for a maker of quills used for writing or painting. The word "Quast" comes from Middle High German "quaste," meaning "tuft." The name may also have originated as a topographic name for someone who lived near such a tuft of trees or bushes. Over time, variations in spelling occurred due to differences in regional pronunciation and recording methods.
Want to turn this name into a keepsake? Give a star certificate in their name.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Kwaster

The meaning and origin of the last name Kwaster

The surname Kwaster is primarily found in Dutch-speaking regions, specifically in Belgium and the Netherlands. It is derived from the occupational name "kwast" or "kwasther," which refers to a fuller, a person who cleaned and thickened woolen cloths using lye (caustic soda), thus softening them for use. The surname originated as a means to identify the profession of the original bearers, with variations such as Kwasthoven, Kwastenbos, and Kwastendijk emerging from locations where families worked or resided. Over time, the surname has been anglicized to Kwaster in English-speaking countries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kwaster

The surname Kwaster is primarily of Dutch and German origin, with concentrations found in those countries, particularly in the Netherlands, North Rhine-Westphalia region of Germany, and neighboring regions. Smaller populations can also be found in Belgium and Luxembourg, due to historical migration patterns. In recent times, descendants of these families have emigrated to other parts of the world, including the United States, Canada, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand, creating dispersed communities with the surname Kwaster. It's worth noting that the spelling can sometimes vary slightly, such as Quast or Kuister, due to differences in transliteration and local customs.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kwaster

The surname Kwaster has several variations and spelling modifications across different regions and languages. Some common variations include Quastler, Kuasternik, Kuashtov, Kvaschner, Kvaschny, Kvaschnik, and Kwasniewski. These variations arise due to factors such as phonetic spelling differences, regional dialects, and historical changes in surname usage. Additionally, some individuals may have altered the spelling of their last name upon immigration or assimilation into a new culture, resulting in further variations. It's essential to note that these variations are not errors but rather different manifestations of the same ancestral name.

Famous people with the last name Kwaster

The Kwaster family is known for its significant contributions across various fields. One notable member is Michael Kwaster, an American mathematician and computer scientist who played a crucial role in developing the theory of quantum computation. Another prominent individual is David Kwaster, a Canadian filmmaker and animator, best known for his work on the animated television series "Total Drama" and its spin-offs. In the world of sports, Chris Kwateryn, born as Chris Kwaster, was a professional ice hockey player who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for teams such as the Toronto Maple Leafs and Chicago Blackhawks. Lastly, Lila Kwaterer, born as Lila Kwaster, is an American musician and singer-songwriter who gained recognition for her indie pop music and collaborations with artists like Bon Iver. Each of these individuals has made distinct marks in their respective domains, demonstrating the versatile talents within the Kwaster family.

Genealogical research on the last name Kwaster

The surname Kwaster is of German origin, deriving from the occupation of a "Quastern" or "Kuster," which translates to "huckster" or "peddler" in English. The name is found in various spellings such as Kuster, Quast, and Quastner, with Kwaster being one of the less common variations.

The earliest records of the Kwaster family can be traced back to the late 17th century in Germany. Notable individuals bearing this surname include Johannes Quastner, who emigrated from Worms, Germany, to New York in 1854. His descendants have since been recorded across various states within the United States.

Another significant Kwaster family line can be traced to John George and Augusta Kuster, who immigrated to the United States from Baden-Württemberg, Germany, in the mid-19th century. Their descendants have been recorded in several states, including California, Texas, and Michigan.

The Kwaster family tree is quite vast, with numerous branches extending across Europe and North America. Researching this surname offers a glimpse into the rich history of German immigration to the United States during the 19th century.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

NomOrigine Team
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 :

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Pinterest WhatsApp Messenger Telegram

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

#1 Kwabena

Last name • surnames > kwabena

The last name "Kwabena" is of Ghanaian origin and is typically given to boys born on a Tuesday, as "Kwabena" means "born on a Tuesday" in the Akan language of Ghana. The Akan peopl...

#2 Kwabla

Last name • surnames > kwabla

The last name "Kwabla" is of Ewe origin from Ghana. It is a common surname among the Ewe people in the Volta Region of Ghana.

#3 Kwadia

Last name • surnames > kwadia

The last name Kwadia is of Nigerian origin. It is derived from the Igbo ethnic group in Nigeria, specifically from the southeastern part of the country.

#4 Kwadjeu

Last name • surnames > kwadjeu

The last name Kwadjeu is of African origin, specifically from the country of Cameroon. It is a surname commonly found among the Bamileke ethnic group in the western region of the c...

#5 Kwadwo

Last name • surnames > kwadwo

The last name "Kwadwo" is of Akan origin, primarily associated with the Akan people of Ghana. It is a given name for boys born on Monday in the Akan culture. In Akan culture, each ...

#6 Kwai

Last name • surnames > kwai

The last name "Kwai" is of Chinese origin. It is derived from the name of the Kwai River in Thailand, which is a significant geographical feature in the region.

#7 Kwajaikram

Last name • surnames > kwajaikram

The last name Kwajaikram appears to have origin in Myanmar, where it is derived from Pali and Sanskrit words meaning "preceptor of the dependent." It is likely of Burmese or Indian...

#8 Kwaku

Last name • surnames > kwaku

The last name Kwaku originates from Ghana. It is a common Akan name typically given to a male child born on a Wednesday. In the Akan culture, each day of the week is associated wit...

#9 Kwaku-fosu

Last name • surnames > kwaku-fosu

The surname Kwaku-Fosu is of Ghanaian origin, specifically from the Akan ethnic group, one of the largest groups in Ghana. The name is a compound name composed of two parts: "Kwak...

#10 Kwala

Last name • surnames > kwala

The last name "Kwala" appears to have multiple possible origins. However, without more specific information, it is challenging to determine the exact origin and meaning of this sur...

#11 Kwame forson

Last name • surnames > kwame-forson

The last name Kwame Forson likely originates from Ghana. "Kwame" is a Ghanaian name given to a male born on a Saturday according to the Akan naming system. "Forson" is likely a sur...

#12 Kwame sam

Last name • surnames > kwame-sam

The last name "Kwame Sam" is of African origin. "Kwame" is a Ghanaian name given to a male born on a Saturday, while "Sam" is a common surname found in many English-speaking countr...

#13 Kwao

Last name • surnames > kwao

The last name "Kwao" originates from Ghana, specifically from the Akan ethnic group. It is a common surname among the Akan people, who primarily reside in Ghana.

#14 Kwari

Last name • surnames > kwari

The last name "Kwari" is of African origin, specifically from Nigeria. It is a common surname among the Hausa people, who are one of the largest ethnic groups in Nigeria. The name ...

#15 Kwarta

Last name • surnames > kwarta

The last name "Kwarta" originates from Poland. It is derived from the Polish word "kwarta," which means "quarter" or "fourth." This surname may have been used to denote someone who...