Surname Fast - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'F'
Fast: What does the surname Fast mean?
The last name Fast is of German origin and usually indicates an origin from a place called Vast. It is drawn from the German word ‘vast’ meaning ‘wide or extensive’, which gives a clue to the surname’s initial purpose as a descriptive name. People with this surname were likely from a place that is large or wide.
The surname Fast may also have been derived from various words which meant ‘quick’ or ‘swift’. It is likely that the surname then came to be adopted as a signifier of speed and agility. This may have been attractive to people during the Middle Ages, when physical strength and speed were seen as assets in battle. The name then came to be associated with someone who moved fast, both on foot and in horses.
Additionally, some individuals with the surname Fast may have changed their name from another form. For example, someone who was known to be a freedman orFastoving, may have adopted the surname Fast in an effort to remove any indication of slavery or servitude.
Overall, the last name Fast is associated with swiftness, agility and freedom. In many cases, the original bearer of the surname may have been linked to places of wide expanses and regions of freedom. Fast could have also been used as a replacement for a previous name associated with servitude or slavery.
Order DNA origin analysisFast: Where does the name Fast come from?
The last name Fast is a relatively uncommon surname today; however, it is still found in many countries throughout the world. The Fast surname is thought to have originated in the Middle Ages in Germany and is believed to have been derived from the name Faust. It is most common in Germany, although it is also found in the United Kingdom, Austria, Switzerland, the United States, Canada, Spain, and other countries. The United States currently has the largest population of individuals who carry the last name Fast.
In the United States, most of the individuals who bear the Fast last name can be traced back to German or Austrian immigrants who initially settled in Pennsylvania. According to the Social Security Death Index, Fast is the 17,954th most common surname in the country.
The Fast surname is also found in the United Kingdom, chiefly around Scotland, although it is not particularly prevalent. According to research from Forebears, the Fast surname is the 27,242nd most popular last name in the United Kingdom. Other countries where the Fast last name is found include Canada (36,363rd), Spain (293,104th), and Austria (5,201st).
Given that there are so few individuals bearing the Fast last name today, it may be difficult to trace its history or connect with others who share the same surname. However, there are a number of online genealogy and surname-tracking websites that can help individuals locate others who carry the same last name.
Variations of the surname Fast
The surname Fast is one of the oldest recorded surnames in all of Europe, with several variants, spellings, and even surnames of the same origin being present throughout history. It usually derives from the Old English word ‘fæst’, meaning ‘firm’ or ‘steadfast’, and is often attributed to people who had a strong and determined personality.
Variations of the surname Fast include Faste, Faast, Fest, and Vast. Faste is the Old English spelling of the name, and is still used in Germany and the Netherlands. Faast is a German variant, which is common in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. Fest is another German variant, which is often associated with the region of Bavaria. Vast is the Dutch version of the surname and is quite popular in the Netherlands and parts of Belgium.
Other surnames of the same origin are Oldenberg and Vester. Oldenberg is a Dutch surname, derived from ‘olde’ meaning ‘old’ and ‘berg’ meaning ‘hill’ and is found mainly in Holland and Germany. Vester is an alternative spelling for the Dutch name Vast and is widely found in the Netherlands.
Fast is also a fairly common Jewish name, deriving from the Yiddish word ‘fustig’, meaning ‘tyrannical’ or ‘oppressive’. In this case, the name is used to describe those who were strong and brave, but could also be considered as authoritarian or oppressive.
In conclusion, the surname Fast has many variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. It is one of the oldest and most widespread surnames in European history, carrying various meanings and connotations.
Famous people with the name Fast
- Justin Fast, Canadian Paralympic swimmer
- Paul Fast, retired Canadian Politician
- Jillian Fast, video game creator
- Jesse Fast, American musician
- Ronald Fast, German engineer
- Elizabeth Fast, Olympic rower
- David Fast, former Deputy Prime Minister of Canada
- Karen Fast, novelist
- Jeff Fast, musician
- Douglas Fast, American artist
- Steven Fast, retired professional basketball player
- Paul Fast, former American diver
- Matthew Fast, actor and producer
- Jason Fast, football player
- Jeremiah Fast, football player
- Henry Fast, racecar driver
- Karen Fast, novelist
- Michele Fast, Australian artist
- Michael Fast, Paralympic athlete
- Paul Fast, actor
- Robert Fast, German philosopher