Astor

Origin

Latin - Derived from the Latin name 'Astor', possibly related to the Latin word 'astrum' meaning 'star'. The name gained fame through the 19th-century American businessman and philanthropist John Jacob Astor, of German and British descent, whose family name is thought to have European roots. In Australian history, the name is less common but associated with prominent figures in business and arts.

Meaning

Star-like - Literally means 'star' in Latin, symbolising guidance, brilliance, or aspiration, often used metaphorically in Australian English as a nickname for someone noteworthy or talented.

Pronunciation

/ˈastər/ or /ˈæstər/ in Australian English, with emphasis on the first syllable, 'AS-ter'. The 'a' as in 'cat' or as in 'father', depending on regional accent variation.

Variants & Nicknames

Name Days

• 15 August (Feast of the Assumption, also culturally associated with success and recognition in some Christian communities)
• Star Festival (17 July, in line with the Māori Matariki celebrations which mark the Māori New Year and are associated with the Pleiades star cluster, though this is more culturally specific) in Australia, mainly among Māori and Indigenous communities involved in cultural festivals.
• Matariki (date varies in late June or early July, significant for Māori New Year celebrations in Australia)

Name Pairings

Names that pair well with astor:

• Astor and Lucas
• Astor and Oliver
• Astor and Grace

Fun Facts

• The name 'Astor' appears in Australian pop culture, notably as a surname of a famous Australian racing car driver, Jim Astor.
• In Australia, 'Astor' as a first name is quite rare but has a distinctive, aristocratic connotation often associated with elegance and high social standing.
• The Astor family made significant contributions to Australian society through business and philanthropy, notably the Astor Theatre in Melbourne.

Personality Traits

Common traits associated with the name astor:

• Ambitious
• Elegant
• Distinguished
• Resilient

Aesthetic Qualities

Classic and refined, with a vintage appeal. The visual form is balanced and symmetrical, easy to integrate into various typographies used in Australian media.

Geographical Distribution

More commonly found in Victoria and New South Wales, especially among families with historical ties to European settler communities and in affluent suburbs.

Numerological Significance

Name number 8 (if assigning A=1, S=19, T=20, O=15, R=18), considered a number of material success, authority, and ambition in numerology, aligning with traits of leadership and resilience.

Astrological Connections

Associates with the zodiac signs Leo and Capricorn, which traditionally symbolise leadership, determination, and integrity, virtues valued in Australian culture.

Historical Context

The name gained prominence through the Astor family, notable for their role in colonial and modern Australian history. It also appears in Australian literature and media as an emblem of sophistication and old-world charm.

Linguistic Adaptability

The name is quite adaptable, maintaining its spelling across languages but pronounced variably in non-English speaking countries. In Australia, it is straightforwardly pronounced, with slight regional accent influences.

Famous People Named astor

• John Jacob Astor (American businessman, influential in early Australian commerce through investments, though not Australian by birth)
• Astor Piazzolla (Though Argentine, his influence permeated Australian classical music scenes).
• The Astor Theatre (Melbourne’s iconic cinema).

Popularity in Australia