Astor refers to a prominent family in American history, known for their wealth and influence in the 19th century. The family, particularly John Jacob Astor, made significant profits in the fur trade and later expanded into real estate and other ventures. The Astor family played a crucial role in the development of New York City. In addition to the family, "Astor" can also refer to various places and institutions named after them, such as the Astor Place in Manhattan and the Astor Hotel chain. These names reflect the family's lasting impact on American culture and urban development.