Astor

Meaning & origin

The name Astor is a rare and distinguished choice, largely associated with the prominent Astor family. First recorded in U.S. data in 1911, Astor peaked in popularity the following year in 1912, reflecting a brief surge of interest during the Gilded Age when the family name was synonymous with wealth and power. After declining in the mid-20th century, the name has been on a rising trajectory since 2009, perhaps due to a revival of vintage surname-names. In 2025, Astor ranked 5,045th with a 1-in-89,899 incidence, making it uncommon but increasingly known. The name has not been strongly associated with any particular state, but its revival mirrors broader trends in 1910s-era names reclaiming attention.

The name Astor is believed to be of Germanic origin, possibly derived from the element *astr* meaning 'hawk' or 'bird of prey'. However, its modern use as a given name is primarily due to the prominent Astor family, an Anglo-American dynasty of Dutch descent who made their fortune in the fur trade and New York real estate in the 19th century. The family name itself likely originated as a variant of the surname Astor, which may have been brought to England by Flemish weavers. As a first name, Astor has been used occasionally in the United States since the early 20th century, but remains rare.