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Fast Family History

Fast Surname Meaning

North German: nickname for a reliable steadfast person or from a short form of any of various personal names beginning with the element fast ‘steadfast firm’.

For example, the name Fastert illustrates this connection.

The element fast conveys qualities of dependability and strength.

This etymology highlights the cultural significance of steadfastness in character.

Overall, the nickname reflects attributes valued in North German communities.

Source: Dictionary of American Family Names 2nd edition, 2022


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Search for a relative to learn more about your family history.

Hint: Try searching for a relative alive in 1940.

Where is the Fast family from?

You can see how Fast families moved over time by selecting different census years. The Fast family name was found in the USA, the UK, Canada, and Scotland between 1840 and 1920. The most Fast families were found in USA in 1880. In 1891 there were 27 Fast families living in Devon. This was about 24% of all the recorded Fast's in United Kingdom. Devon and 1 other county had the highest population of Fast families in 1891.
Use census records and voter lists to see where families with the Fast surname lived. Within census records, you can often find information like name of household members, ages, birthplaces, residences, and occupations.
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What did your Fast ancestors do for a living?

In 1939, Hairdresser (master) and Unpaid Domestic Duties were the top reported jobs for men and women in the United Kingdom named Fast. 50% of Fast men worked as a Hairdresser (master) and 100% of Fast women worked as an Unpaid Domestic Duties.

View Census Data for Fast | Data not to scale

*We display top occupations by gender to maintain their historical accuracy during times when men and women often performed different jobs.

Top Male Occupations In 1939

  • Hairdresser (master)
    50%
  • Police Constable
    50%

Top Female Occupations In 1939

  • Unpaid Domestic Duties
    100%

What Fast family records will you find?

Census Records

There are 32,000 census records available for the last name Fast. Like a window into their day-to-day life, Fast census records can tell you where and how your ancestors worked, their level of education, veteran status, and more.

Search UK census records for Fast

Passenger Lists

There are 5,000 immigration records available for the last name Fast. Passenger lists are your ticket to knowing when your ancestors arrived in the UK, and how they made the journey - from the ship name to ports of arrival and departure.

View all Fast immigration records

Draft Cards

There are 30,000 military records available for the last name Fast. For the veterans among your Fast ancestors, military collections provide insights into where and when they served, and even physical descriptions.

View all Fast military records

You've only scratched the surface of Fast family history

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What is the average Fast lifespan?

Between 1942 and 2004, in the United States, Fast life expectancy was at its lowest point in 1942, and highest in 1992. The average life expectancy for Fast in 1942 was 31, and 77 in 2004.

View Social Security Death Index (SSDI) for Fast

An unusually short lifespan might indicate that your Fast ancestors lived in harsh conditions. A short lifespan might also indicate health problems that were once prevalent in your family. The SSDI is a searchable database of more than 70 million names. You can find birthdates, death dates, addresses and more.

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