Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • First Name Meanings
      • Last Name Meanings
      • Individual Records Search
      • Family Trees Support
      • Start a New Tree
      • Upload a GEDCOM
      Loading
      • Search All Records
      • Census & Electoral Rolls
      • Birth, Marriage & Death, including Parish
      • Military
      • Wills & Probate
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Schools, Directories & Church Histories
      • Public Member Trees
      • Card Catalogue
      • Member Search
      Memories
      Loading
      • Register a kit
      • AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
      • Traits Learning Hub
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA® Support
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Discover More Family Names with an Ancestry 14-day Free Trial* 
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Blog
      • About Us
      • Site Map
      • Gift Memberships
      • Careers
        • Ancestry Corporate
        • Fold3.com
        • ForcesWarRecords.com
        • Geneanet.org
        • Newspapers.com
        • ProGenealogists.com
        • RootsWeb.com
      • © 2002-2026 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Cookies
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company
      Group of people

      Meaning of the first name Lancester

      Origin

      English, Derived from Lancaster, England

      Meaning

      Fort on the Lune River

      Variations

      Lancaster, Lankester, Lanchester
      The name Lancaster, derived from the Old English elements lanz meaning fort and cester meaning castle or city, denotes a stronghold located by the Lune River in England. This etymology reflects the name's historical roots, symbolizing security and strength. The spelling variations, including Lancester, emerged as names evolved over time, usually in relation to familial or geographic lineage.

      Lancaster has a rich history that dates back to Roman times when it was established as a military outpost. The town developed significantly during the medieval period, becoming a key center for trade and governance. The House of Lancaster played a crucial role in English history, particularly during the Wars of the Roses, where the Lancaster and York factions vied for the English throne. This historical prominence solidified the name's association with nobility and power.

      In contemporary contexts, the name Lancester and its variants can be found in various forms, often as surnames or place names across English-speaking countries. While it may not be as widely recognized as it once was, it retains connotations of heritage and cultural significance. Some individuals and families still celebrate the historical legacy associated with the name, reflecting its enduring presence in modern society.

      Based on our records...

      Cagle

      Cagle

      This is the most common surname associated with Lancester.
      Frieda

      Frieda

      This is the most common name of those married to a Lancester.
      Burnum

      Burnum

      This is the most common name for a child of a Lancester.
      Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. - © Mapbox - © OpenStreetMap - Improve this map

      What are you curious about?

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Start a free trial
      Order AncestryDNA
      calendar.webp
      Based on our records...

      Did you know?

      1901 is when there were the most people born with the first name Lancester.

      Explore the origins of another name.