What is the origin of the last name Pasto?

The surname Pasto is believed to have Italian origins. It is derived from places named "Pasto" in Italy, particularly in the regions of Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna. The name "Pasto" itself means pasture or grassland in Italian. People bearing this surname may have originally lived near or worked on such land. However, it's important to note that surnames can also be occupational, topographic, or even patronymic, and the exact origins of a specific family may vary.

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The meaning and origin of the last name Pasto

The surname Pasto is of Italian origin and is derived from various possible sources. One suggestion is that it comes from a place name, specifically Pasto di Prato, a locality in the region of Emilia-Romagna. Another theory proposes that it is an occupational name for a shepherd or cattle herder, as "pasto" means pasture or meadow in Italian. It is also possible that the surname could have been a nickname for someone who was skilled at tending livestock or managing lands. The first recorded spelling of the surname Pasto can be traced back to the early 19th century, with Giovanni di Pasto appearing in historical records from Italy around 1820. Over time, variations in the spelling and pronunciation of the name have emerged due to migration and cultural influences.

Geographical distribution of the last name Pasto

The surname Pasto is predominantly associated with Colombia, particularly the department of Nariño, where it originates from the town of Pasto, giving the name its meaning. Historically, it was part of the Zamorano-Pasto culture, which thrived in the region during pre-Columbian times. Today, a significant number of individuals with the last name Pasto reside in Colombia, reflecting its historical and cultural roots. Beyond Colombia, smaller populations of people with the surname can be found in other Spanish-speaking countries, primarily in Spain, as well as in certain Latin American communities worldwide, often due to immigration or migratory movements.

Variants and spellings of the last name Pasto

The surname Pasto has several variations and spellings in different regions and countries. Some common variants include Pasto, Pastos, Pashto, and Passot. These variations may arise due to spelling differences, regional dialects, or transliteration from other languages. In Italian, Pasto is a place name that can also be used as a surname. In Spanish, it could also mean "pasture" or "grassland". In some cases, the name might have been Anglicized from other languages, leading to variations like Pashto (from Persian) and Passot (from French). It is essential to consider these factors when searching for records of individuals with this surname.

Famous people with the last name Pasto

Notable individuals with the surname Pasto include:

1. Juan Pastor Fernández (born 1964), a Spanish professional football coach and former player who managed teams such as Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, and Valencia CF.
2. Manuel Pastor (born 1957), an American sociologist, political scientist, and community activist who is a professor at the University of Southern California's Sol Price School of Public Policy.
3. Silvio Pastor (1840-1926), a Swiss geographer and explorer who was one of the first Europeans to explore and document the region of Abyssinia (present-day Ethiopia).
4. Roberto Pastorini (born 1957), an Italian former footballer who played as a midfielder for teams such as Napoli, Fiorentina, and the Italy national team.
5. Giuseppe Pastore (1863-1932), an Italian politician who served as the President of the Italian Senate from 1920 to 1924 during the Fascist regime of Benito Mussolini.

Genealogical research on the last name Pasto

The surname Pasto is of Italian origin and is derived from various places named Paso or Pasto in Italy, primarily in the regions of Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna. The earliest recorded instances of the name date back to the Middle Ages, with Antonio di Pascuolo de'Pasto mentioned in a Florentine document from 1296. Over time, the name has spread globally due to Italian immigration, particularly to countries like Argentina, the United States, and Brazil. In Argentina, the Pasto family played significant roles in politics and agriculture during the 19th century. In the United States, notable individuals with the surname include George Pasto, a Greek-American businessman who founded the Pasto Foundation, and Nick Pasto, an American football player. The name Pasto is also found in Spain and Portugal as a result of Portuguese colonization of South America, where it has been Latinized to Pasco.

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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.

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