Castor

“to shine” — Associated with Castor of the Dioscuri

Greek origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#7359US 2023

11Births / yr

↓Falling

306All-time births

📅 Since 199800

How to pronounce Castor

KAST·AWR

/ˈkæst.ˈɔr/ · stress on KAST · 2 syllables

“to shine”

Associated with Castor of the Dioscuri · Greek origin

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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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

How popular is Castor right now?

Falling — down 1886 spots — currently #7359 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 2000–2023#7359 · Top 5.4%

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

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	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Castor

Best Year2020Rank #4053

Peak Count25

Average Rank#6461

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range2000 - 20238 years

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:

Noah Liam William Mason James

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?

Common

CasCaAstor

Famous people named Castor

Castor (Greek mythological figure)

Castor carried this name in Greek mythology, connecting it to divine or heroic tradition.

Castor (Greek poet or artist)

Castor helped establish this as a name of cultural and artistic prestige in the Hellenic world.

Castor (modern Greek athlete)

Castor brought this name to international sporting recognition representing Greece.

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 2025

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What names sound and feel like Castor?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Castor also consider these

Caston

English · from the town

Kastor

Greece · To shine; to

American · Originally derived from

Candor

Latin · brightness

How is Castor written in other languages?

Kastor

GREEK MYTHOLOGY

Καστωρ

Ancient Greek

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.