CANTOR

Occupational

Meaning

An occupational surname derived from a cantor, a person who leads liturgical singing in a synagogue or church.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'cantor' (singer) via German and Yiddish, indicating a person who performed singing duties in religious services. The term was used in both Jewish and Christian contexts.

About the CANTOR Surname

An occupational surname with Jewish, German, and English origins indicating a person who performed liturgical singing. The name became established in North America through Jewish immigration.

Distribution & Frequency

Estimated 12,000 bearers in the United States #1,040 most common surname
Rare Common

Found among Jewish communities in Central and Eastern Europe, with significant populations in North America and Israel following diaspora movements.

CANTOR Surname Distribution

Geographic distribution based on Civil War military records.

Fewer
More

Notable Bearers

People with the CANTOR Surname