Astor: a male name of Old English (Anglo-saxon) origin meaning "It is a given name transferred from the surname".It derives from the Old English (Anglo-saxon) word "Astor".
Astor is a masculine name that means "It is a given name transferred from the surname". Its Old English (Anglo-saxon) origins reflect deep cultural values and traditions that have been passed down through generations. Parents choosing this name often appreciate its profound significance and timeless appeal.
Quick Facts About Astor
Quick facts about Astor
Origin
Old English (Anglo-saxon), Germanic
Gender
Boy name
Popularity
Moderately popular
Researched by Name Doctor Linguistics Team
Our names are verified by professional linguists with expertise in etymology and cultural naming traditions.
Last reviewed: November 2025
Meaning
It is a given name transferred from the surname. The Astor family is a prominent German-American family notable for its importance in business, society, and politics in the United States and the United Kingdom during the 19th and early 20th-centuries. The surname “Astor” is of German origin, appearing in North America during the eighteenth century with john Jacob Astor. For many years, the Astor family members were known as “the landlords of New York.” Their New York city namesakes are the famous Waldorf-Astoria hotel, an Astor row, Astor Court, Astor place, and Astor Avenue in the Bronx, where the Astors used stable horses. The neighborhood of Astoria, Queens, is named after the family as well.
Etymology & Details
Name Root
Astor
How to Pronounce Astor
Astor is pronounced /ˈæstər/(English)
Step-by-step pronunciation guide:
Break it into syllables: Ast-or
Say it like: "ASTOOHR"
Practice saying it naturally a few times
✓Pronunciation verified by linguistic sources
Usage & Popularity
Astor is predominantly used in english speaking communities, where it maintains strong cultural connections and traditional significance.
english
Frequently Asked Questions About Astor
What does the name Astor mean?
Astor means "It is a given name transferred from the surname. The Astor family is a prominent German-American family notable for its importance in business, society, and politics in the United States and the United Kingdom during the 19th and early 20th-centuries. The surname “Astor” is of German origin, appearing in North America during the eighteenth century with john Jacob Astor. For many years, the Astor family members were known as “the landlords of New York.” Their New York city namesakes are the famous Waldorf-Astoria hotel, an Astor row, Astor Court, Astor place, and Astor Avenue in the Bronx, where the Astors used stable horses. The neighborhood of Astoria, Queens, is named after the family as well.". The name comes from Astor. This old english (anglo-saxon) name has been passed down through generations, carrying its meaning across different cultures and time periods. Parents who choose Astor for boys often connect with the name's meaning of "It is a given name transferred from the surname. The Astor family is a prominent German-American family notable for its importance in business, society, and politics in the United States and the United Kingdom during the 19th and early 20th-centuries. The surname “Astor” is of German origin, appearing in North America during the eighteenth century with john Jacob Astor. For many years, the Astor family members were known as “the landlords of New York.” Their New York city namesakes are the famous Waldorf-Astoria hotel, an Astor row, Astor Court, Astor place, and Astor Avenue in the Bronx, where the Astors used stable horses. The neighborhood of Astoria, Queens, is named after the family as well." as a quality they hope to see in their child. While not the most common choice, Astor's meaningful roots have given it staying power among parents looking for a name with substance.
What is the origin of the name Astor?
Astor has old english (anglo-saxon) and germanic origins. The name traces back to Astor. The name remains closely tied to english naming traditions while occasionally appearing in other cultures. The old english (anglo-saxon) meaning "It is a given name transferred from the surname. The Astor family is a prominent German-American family notable for its importance in business, society, and politics in the United States and the United Kingdom during the 19th and early 20th-centuries. The surname “Astor” is of German origin, appearing in North America during the eighteenth century with john Jacob Astor. For many years, the Astor family members were known as “the landlords of New York.” Their New York city namesakes are the famous Waldorf-Astoria hotel, an Astor row, Astor Court, Astor place, and Astor Avenue in the Bronx, where the Astors used stable horses. The neighborhood of Astoria, Queens, is named after the family as well." reflects values important in the culture where this name first appeared.
Is Astor a boy or girl name?
Astor is a boy's name. The name has been used for boys across many generations, maintaining its masculine character through different eras and cultures. In old english (anglo-saxon) tradition, Astor has historically been given to boys. The meaning "It is a given name transferred from the surname. The Astor family is a prominent German-American family notable for its importance in business, society, and politics in the United States and the United Kingdom during the 19th and early 20th-centuries. The surname “Astor” is of German origin, appearing in North America during the eighteenth century with john Jacob Astor. For many years, the Astor family members were known as “the landlords of New York.” Their New York city namesakes are the famous Waldorf-Astoria hotel, an Astor row, Astor Court, Astor place, and Astor Avenue in the Bronx, where the Astors used stable horses. The neighborhood of Astoria, Queens, is named after the family as well." carries well for a son, giving the name lasting appeal.
How do you pronounce Astor?
Astor is pronounced "/ˈæstər/". This pronunciation follows en language patterns. As a single-syllable name, Astor is quick to say and easy to call out. If you're unfamiliar with old english (anglo-saxon) names, listening to a native speaker say Astor can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis.
How popular is the name Astor?
Astor is somewhat common, familiar to most people. With moderate popularity, Astor offers familiarity without being everywhere. It's the kind of name people recognize but don't hear every day. Astor's popularity may vary between old english (anglo-saxon) communities and the broader population, where naming trends differ. The name's meaning of "It is a given name transferred from the surname. The Astor family is a prominent German-American family notable for its importance in business, society, and politics in the United States and the United Kingdom during the 19th and early 20th-centuries. The surname “Astor” is of German origin, appearing in North America during the eighteenth century with john Jacob Astor. For many years, the Astor family members were known as “the landlords of New York.” Their New York city namesakes are the famous Waldorf-Astoria hotel, an Astor row, Astor Court, Astor place, and Astor Avenue in the Bronx, where the Astors used stable horses. The neighborhood of Astoria, Queens, is named after the family as well." likely influences its appeal, as parents often choose names that express values or hopes for their children. Among boys' names, Astor holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
Where is the name Astor commonly used?
Astor is used primarily in english naming traditions. Though old english (anglo-saxon) in origin, Astor found a home in other cultures where it resonated with local naming preferences. The meaning "It is a given name transferred from the surname. The Astor family is a prominent German-American family notable for its importance in business, society, and politics in the United States and the United Kingdom during the 19th and early 20th-centuries. The surname “Astor” is of German origin, appearing in North America during the eighteenth century with john Jacob Astor. For many years, the Astor family members were known as “the landlords of New York.” Their New York city namesakes are the famous Waldorf-Astoria hotel, an Astor row, Astor Court, Astor place, and Astor Avenue in the Bronx, where the Astors used stable horses. The neighborhood of Astoria, Queens, is named after the family as well." carries universal appeal, helping explain why different cultures adopted Astor into their naming traditions. A child named Astor will likely find their name recognized in multiple countries, which can be an advantage for families with international connections or who value global accessibility. Across these cultures, Astor is given to boys, maintaining consistent gender association.
Sources: Etymology verified through linguistic research including Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name, and academic etymology databases.