Surname Pastor - Meaning and Origin

Exploring Personal Identity through DNA Testing: Reflections on the Surname 'Pastor'

Taking the iGENEA DNA test had a profound effect on my interpretation of my heritage and personal identity, particularly surrounding my surname “Pastor”.

K. Pastor

Pastor: What does the surname Pastor mean?

The last name Pastor is of Spanish and Portuguese origin, stemming from the Latin word 'pastor', meaning 'shepherd'. This is likely due to the occupation of some ancestors as sheepherders.

The name itself is derived from the Latin noun pastor, which translates to “shepherd” or “guardian”. This noun is related to the verb pascere meaning “to feed”. It is likely that the surname originally referred to an ancestor who was a shepherd or herder.

In medieval times, shepherds acted as guardians of their flocks and were responsible for keeping them safe. This function of protection evolved and extended to other roles such as that of a ministry official over a congregation, giving rise to the meaning of a spiritual shepherd.

The surname is also recorded in various countries such as England, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Germany. As a result, its spelling and pronunciation may vary from place to place.

Today, the name serves as a reminder of the metaphors of spiritual leadership found in the Bible, and often serves as a source of pride for its holders. It remains an important part of their identity and an important reminder of their ancestry and history.

Pastor: Where does the name Pastor come from?

The last name Pastor is most common throughout Latin America today. It is especially popular in Spanish-speaking countries such as Mexico, Colombia, Peru, and Chile, where it is the 30th, 47th, 56th, and 76th most common surname respectively.

The surname originated in Spain, although it likely spread to other countries during colonial times. In Spain, Pastor means “shepherd”, so the last name was likely adopted by people who identified closely with the profession.

The name is also well represented in the United States, where it ranks as the 1,136th most common surname. This is likely because a large portion of the Hispanic population in the US is from Latin American countries, and the last name is likely to have been handed down from their ancestors.

Overall, Pastor is particularly popular in Latin America. It has strong historical ties to Spain, but is also well-represented all over the world, particularly in the US.

Variations of the surname Pastor

The surname Pastor is a Spanish origin, used as a surname in parts of Spain, Portugal, and includes French variant as Pastur. Variations of the surname Pastor also include spelling variants like "Pastore".

In Italy, the surname is also known as "Pastore" (masculine), and "Pastora" (feminine). In Latin America, where Spanish is spoken, it is known as "Pastor".

In Portugal, the surname is also seen as "Pastor" and "Pastore". In France, another variant of the surname is "Pasteur," a spelling variant of the surname.

In the United States, the surname has been anglicized and is found in various spellings, among which are "Pastor", "Paster", "Pistor", and "Pistore". Some common surnames of the same origin are "Pastorino" and "Pastorini".

In Spain, the surname Pastor is sometimes also the spelling variant of the surname "Pasador", which is also of the same origin. Another Spanish surname derived from the same root is "Pasailandea".

No matter the location or variant, the Vegas surname is associated with a person who is a religious leader, such as a pastor. This is thought to be the origin of the surname.

Famous people with the name Pastor

• Fabian Pastor: Chilean producer, screenwriter, and actor.
• Joseph Aloysius Pastor: 19th-century American politician who served in the Ohio House of Representatives.
• Al Pastor: Mexican folk singer best known for his corridos.
• Sam Pastor: Italian rally driver who has won numerous championships throughout his career.
• Vince Pastor: American stage and film actor.
• Honorio Pastor: Spanish stage, film and television actor.
• David Pastor: Spanish film director and screenwriter.
• Hebert Pastor: Venezuelan artist, stage designer, and sculptor.
• El Zoe Pastor: American professional Muay Thai kickboxing competitor.
• Michael Pastor: American musician, video producer, and artist.
• Paul Pastor: American professor emeritus in the field of Information and Communication Technology.
• Xavier Pastor: Spanish actor, director, and playwright.
• Izzie Pastor: American actress, minecrafter, and web star.
• Dominic Pastor: American artist, muralist, and creative director.
• Ángel Pastor: Spanish politician who previously served in the Senate of Spain.

Other surnames

PastohrPastoorPastoorsPastors