Surname Banastre - Meaning and Origin

Banastre: What does the surname Banastre mean?

The surname Banastre is of French origin and is believed to be derived from the old French word, "banastre," which means a basket, tub or hamper. The name might have been initially given as an occupational surname to individuals who made or sold baskets. Alternatively, it could also have been given as a nickname referring to a characteristic of a person, like someone as sturdy or reliable as a basket. Over time, it became a family name handed down to succeeding generations. Notable people with the name include Thomas Banastre, an English knight, and Adam de Banastre, who led the Banastre rebellion in Lancashire, England, during the 14th century. As with many surnames, variations of the name exist in different regions due to phonetic transcriptions including Bannister and Banister.

Banastre: Where does the name Banastre come from?

The surname Banastre has its roots in France and is derived from an Old French term 'banastre', meaning 'basket'. This name was primarily used for someone who made or sold baskets. The surname first emerged in the regions of Normandy.

After the Norman Conquest, the surname was introduced to England and was first recorded in Lancashire, where the Banastre family held a family seat since ancient times. The Banastre family had a significant influence during the Middle Ages, and several members served as Knights of the Shire for Lancashire.

Today, though the surname is not very common, it can be found in some parts of the United Kingdom, particularly in the regions of Lancashire and Greater Manchester, and to a lesser extent in France and other European countries. Due to emigration over the centuries, the name may also exist within communities in North America and Australia. However, its distribution remains quite limited globally.

Variations of the surname Banastre

The surname Banastre is of French origin, and it was first found in Normandy. Various spelling and variants of the Banastre surname include Banaster, Banistre, Bannister, Bannester, Banester, Bannester, Banistere, Bannistere, Banister, Bannyster, Banystraw and many more.

Changes in spelling have occurred in almost every surnames throughout centuries, often due to lack of consistency in spelling rules and phonetic spelling altering the name's form over time. It is also common for the same surname to be spelled differently by different branches of the same family.

Surnames are often influenced by the regions or countries where they were first used; it was common for individuals to adopt the name of a place or region as their surname. The Banastre surname is believed to be locational, derived from a place named "Banaster" or "Banester" in ancient records.

Surname variations are significant when researching family history, as they can lead to uncovering more about ancestors and their lives. So, it is important to consider all possible spellings and variants in genealogical research.

Famous people with the name Banastre

• Thomas Banastre: An English knight during the 1300s who built a reputation as a skilled soldier.
• Sir Adam Banastre: He was a notable English rebel during the reign of Edward I.
• Robert Banastre: This medieval English lord became a significant landowner in Lancashire during the 12th century.
• Christopher Banastre: A British athlete who is known for competing in Bobsleigh during the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary. Please note that while the Banastre name is historical, it is not a common last name in contemporary times and does not hold many famous individuals currently. The few listed here are mostly from historical records. It's possible that some individuals with the last name Banastre could have become notable in more regional or niche fields.

Other surnames

Banaster