The Lastor surname comes from the Middle English word "last," which was the name of a wooden mould in the shape of a foot used by a cobbler in the making or repairing of shoes. In Old English, the name was "laeste" which literally meant "footprint." The name was most likely an occupational name for a person who made cobbler's lasts. Also there is some evidence that the name could have been Norman in origin as records show Philip Augustus granted lands in Normandy to Robert de Los. It is thought that this same family landed in England where there are records of Walter and William Luz in 1198.
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Early Origins of the Lastor family
The surname Lastor was first found in Suffolk. The Saxon influence of English history diminished after the Battle of Hastings in 1066. The language of the courts was French for the next three centuries and the Norman ambience prevailed. But Saxon surnames survived and the family name was first referenced in 1275 with Thomas le Lastur who was listed in the Assize Rolls. Over a century later, in 1385, Richard Last was listed in the Fleet of Fines as holding estates in the same county.
Early History of the Lastor family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Lastor research. Another 71 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1395, 1455 and 1487 are included under the topic Early Lastor History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Lastor Spelling Variations
It is only in the last few hundred years that the English language has been standardized. For that reason, early Anglo-Saxon surnames like Lastor are characterized by many spelling variations. As the English language changed and incorporated elements of other European languages, even literate people changed the spelling of their names. Scribes and monks in the Middle Ages spelled names they sounded, so it is common to find several variations that refer to a single person. The variations of the name Lastor include: Laster, Lastur, Lastor, Last and others.
Early Notables of the Lastor family
More information is included under the topic Early Lastor Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
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Migration of the Lastor family
Many English families tired of political and religious strife left Britain for the new colonies in North America. Although the trip itself offered no relief - conditions on the ships were extremely cramped, and many travelers arrived diseased, starving, and destitute - these immigrants believed the opportunities that awaited them were worth the risks. Once in the colonies, many of the families did indeed prosper and, in turn, made significant contributions to the culture and economies of the growing colonies. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families has revealed a number of immigrants bearing the name Lastor or a variant listed above: John Last, who was on record in Wisconsin in 1838; and Caroline Last, who arrived in New York, NY in 1843.
