Surname Easter - Meaning and Origin

'Connecting with the Past: A Personal Journey with iGENEA DNA Test'

Embarking on iGENEA’s DNA test led me on an emotional journey, transforming my understanding of my family heritage and the origins of my surname, Easter. A newfound connection to my roots and an enriched sense of identity were the unanticipated gains from this scientific exploration.

M. Easter

Easter: What does the surname Easter mean?

The surname Easter is of British origin, primarily from Scotland and northern England. Contrary to what one might assume, it doesn't directly refer to the Christian holiday. The name is topographical, derived from the Old English term "ēastor" meaning "eastern". In medieval times, it was likely used to denote someone who lived to the east of a main settlement, or possibly on eastern-facing land. It may have also been designated to someone who migrated from the east. Over time, "Easter" evolved into a surname passed down through generations. It holds historical significance as it tells about geographic characteristics and migration patterns of early populations. Such surnames were often taken from local geographical features, as people identified themselves by landmark or regional designation before the widespread adoption of hereditary surnames.

Easter: Where does the name Easter come from?

The surname Easter has a few different possible origins. One theory suggests that it is geographical in nature, originating from East England, and being bestowed upon individuals from provinces to the east of others. Another theory posits that the surname came from the personal name, derived from the Germanic name Eostre, the goddess of dawn and spring. When Christianity spread through Europe, Eostre's name became associated with the annual Christian festival commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ, hence "Easter".

As for the surname's current standing, Easter is not overly common, but it is used more frequently in English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, England, and Australia. In the United States, it is most prevalent in the states of Texas, North Carolina, and Georgia. In England, it is more concentrated in the southeastern region. Although it is not a highly common surname, individuals bearing Easter as a last name can still be found internationally.

Variations of the surname Easter

The surname Easter is of Old English and German origin, primarily derived from 'Eostre', the goddess of spring and dawn in Anglo-Saxon mythology. Variations of the surname are Easters, Ester, Esters, Esterman, Easterman, and Easterling. Some less common variants may include Estre, Aestor, or Eastern.

It has also been hypothesized that Easter could have roots in the Jewish surname 'Esther', which means 'star' in Hebrew. Variations in this context may include Esther, Estera, Esteri, Esterina, Esterino and Estrellita.

The surname may also be regional, taken from locations in England like Eastrea in Cambridgeshire, or Eastergate in Sussex. Variations in this case could include names of these places.

In German, the surname 'Oster' or 'Osterman', similar to Easter, refers to an 'Eastern man' or someone from the East, and could be a potential variant.

It is important to note that spelling variations in surnames occurred even within the same family, due to factors like illiteracy, different languages or dialects, and transcription errors. Hence, variations or spellings traced back to the same origin does not necessarily equate to a connection between families bearing these surnames.

Famous people with the name Easter

• Jeff Easter: An American Gospel musician.
• James Easter: Also recognized as an American Gospel musician, James is a member of the Easter Brothers, a bluegrass gospel group.
• Ray Easter: James Easter's brother, another member of the popular Easter Brothers.
• Russell Easter Jr.: Yet another member of the Easter Brothers group.
• Sheri Easter: An American gospel singer, who collaborated with her husband Jeff Easter.
• Barry Easter: A representative rugby player for Bath Rugby Club in England.
• Nick Easter: A retired English rugby union player and coach who made numerous appearances for the England national rugby union team.
• Delores Easter: A member of the American Platters doo-wop group.
• Nolan Easter: An American sound engineer who worked on several popular films, including "The Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl".
• Carl Easter: An American actor recognized for his work in "Make It or Break It".
• Olivia Easter: She appeared in movies like "Diverge" (2016) and "Fireworker" (2020).
• Jason Easter: Known for his performance in movies like "Carpool" (1996) and "Underworld" (2003).

Other surnames

EasteEastebEastebeEastenEastepEasteppEasteptEasterbrookEasterbrookeEasterdayEasterlingEasterwoodEastesEastey