Surname Caster - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'C'
Caster: What does the surname Caster mean?
The last name "Caster" is of English origin and has occupational roots; it was traditionally used to denote a person's profession or trade. Derived from the Middle English term "kastere", the name referred to someone who cast metal, specifically a worker who made small objects from molten metal by pouring it into a mould; this could have been anything from bells to tools and utensils. Names of this nature often became hereditary, passed down through generations, carrying the legacy of a family's former trade. Like many surnames that first arose during the Middle Ages in England, the exact origin of the name Caster varies. Some believe it represented someone who worked as a chest maker (also referred to as a "caster" in Middle English), while others believe it was used for someone who made "casts" or contained liquids. However, the most accepted interpretation is that it denotes a metal caster, reflecting the industrial history of England.
Order DNA origin analysisCaster: Where does the name Caster come from?
The surname Caster primarily originates from England and is derived from an occupation-related term. The name was often given to a caster or moulder - a person who cast molten metal into moulds, particularly to create tools and other implements. It stems from the Middle English word 'kasten', meaning 'to throw or to cast'. Some of the earliest recorded instances of the name include Robert Le Caster in 1199 (in the Pipe Rolls of Norfolk) and William le Castere in 1296 (in the Subsidy Rolls of Sussex).
The name's variants include Castor, Caistor, Casteres, and others. There was also a place called Caistor in the county of Lincolnshire, England, which could have contributed to the name.
Today, Caster remains more common in the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, South Africa, and Canada. According to current surname distribution data, it is most common in the United States, followed by England. It exhibits high prevalence in the American states of Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana, while Yorkshire and West Midlands have the highest concentration in England.
Variations of the surname Caster
The surname Caster has several variants and spellings including Caster, Kaster, Kester, Kastner, Kostner, Kastor, Castor, Kaester, Coster, Koester, and Koestler. These variations have originated from different regions, but mostly from Germanic and English speaking countries. In many cases, the surnames 'K' and 'C' were interchangeable, hence variations such as Caster and Kaster. The surname Caster may have originated from an occupational name for a person who worked as a moneylender or a person in charge of a money chest, such as a treasurer.
Interestingly, the name could also have location-based origins from places like Kaster (in Belgium) or Castor (in England). In certain cases, it may also be derived from the personal name 'Kester', which is a reduction of 'Christopher'. In addition, it is observed that in names like Kastner and Kostner, the '-ner' ending is typical of southern German surnames, signalling an occupational background.
It's worth noting that the variation of a surname can often depend on regional pronunciation, translation between languages, or even clerical errors in record keeping, making the pursuit of surname origins a fascinating study.
Famous people with the name Caster
- Caster Semenya: A South African middle-distance runner and Olympic gold medalist who has faced controversy over her high natural testosterone levels.
- Gwendolyn Caster: An American actress known for her roles in television, theater, and film.
- Philipp Caster: A German footballer who plays as a right-back for SV Werder Bremen.
- Mike Caster: An American football player who played defensive end for the San Diego Chargers in the NFL.
- Lyle Caster: A Canadian curler who competed in the 1998 Winter Olympics.
- Robert Caster: An American professional golfer who won several tournaments on the PGA Tour.
- Margaret Caster: An American author known for her Young Adult fiction.
- Andrew Caster: A renowned American ophthalmologist and LASIK surgery specialist.
- Christopher Caster: A British actor known for his theater work in London's West End.
- Steve Caster: A former Major League Baseball pitcher who played for the New York Yankees and Oakland Athletics in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Note: Some of these names might not be globally famous but are noteworthy within their respective fields.