What does Castor mean and where does it come from?
Castor is derived from the Greek name Kastor, which means 'to shine' and was associated with Castor of the Dioscuri, twin brothers in Greek mythology. In ancient Rome, Castor was often linked to the beaver, symbolizing hard work and industriousness. The name has been used throughout history and was
Cultural significance
Castor has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greek-speaking communities, where it reflects values of greek.
Peak popularity
Reached #3748 in 2016 — currently #7359 in the US.
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Related Reading
Greek-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Castor?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Castor?
Castor works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Castor Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Castor Rose
Floral · soft ending
Castor Mae
Sweet · timeless
Castor Claire
French influence · crisp
Castor Jane
Literary · strong
Castor Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Castor right now?
Falling — down 1886 spots — currently #7359 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #7359 | 11 | ▼ down 1886 · -35% births |
| 2022 | #5473 | 17 | ▼ down 101 |
| 2021 | #5372 | 17 | ▼ down 1319 · -32% births |
| 2020 | #4053 | 25 | ▲ up 1859 · +67% births |
| 2015 | #5912 | 15 | ▲ up 2663 · +67% births |
| 2010 | #8575 | 9 | ▼ down 428 |
| 2005 | #8147 | 9 | ▼ down 1353 · -10% births |
| 2000 | #6794 | 10 | — |
The story of Castor
Castor is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1998. With 306 total births recorded, Castor remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #6794 in 2000, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #7359 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Castor in 2016:
Castor by decade
Castor peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1990s | 19 | |
| 2000s | 89 | |
| 2010s ★ | 173 | |
| 2020s | 25 | |
💎Castor has only 306 total recorded births since 1998 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Castor?
Famous people named Castor
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Castor (Greek mythological figure)
Castor carried this name in Greek mythology, connecting it to divine or heroic tradition.
C(
Castor (Greek poet or artist)
Castor helped establish this as a name of cultural and artistic prestige in the Hellenic world.
C(
Castor (modern Greek athlete)
Castor brought this name to international sporting recognition representing Greece.
C(
Castor (ancient philosopher)
Castor bore this name in classical Greece, where it was associated with wisdom and learning.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Castor?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Castor also consider these
How is Castor written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Castor
What does the name Castor mean?
Castor means "Greek" — a name rooted in Greek tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Castor?
Castor is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Castor?
Castor originates from Greek tradition. Greek names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Castor?
Castor is a two-syllable name pronounced K AE1 S T AO1 R. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Castor a common or rare name?
Castor is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.