Johnston (surname)

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For other uses, see Johnston (disambiguation).
Johnston
Language(s)Gaelic
Origin
Meaning1. "John's town"
2. "St John's town"
Other names
Variant form(s)Johnstone

Johnston is in most cases a habitational surname derived from several places in Scotland. Historically, the surname has been most common throughout Scotland and Ireland.

The Johnston family name has also been recorded in early history in several areas of England, including but not exclusive to areas of the United Kingdom. Early records show a strong established family presence in Leeds U.K. such as "Johnston Street" in Leeds.

However, the Johnston name comes largely from the borders, and trace their core routes back to Holland and Scandinavia. Specifically, records point to members of the Johnston Clan fighting on the side of King William of Orange, and Mary Queen of Scots. Support for both being at odds with the Kings and Queens of England, earning the Johnston Clan being written out of history specifically for their support to Mary Queen of Scots.

Etymology[]

The habitational surname originates in most cases from the place so called in Annandale, Dumfriesshire, Scotland. This surname is derived from the genitive case of the given name John and tone or toun ("settlement" in Middle English; tun in Old English), literally meaning "John's town". There are several similar place names in Scotland, including the city of Perth, which was once known as St. John's Toun. This and other similarly named locations may also be sources for the surname Johnston.[1] Johnston is commonly traced back to Ireland, however it is believed the name and people migrated from Scotland.[2]

Regional occurrences of the surname suggest a possible Cumbric Origin.

People with the surname Johnston[]

A–E[]

F–L[]

M–Z[]

See also[]

References[]

  1. ^ Johnston Name Meaning and History
  2. ^ "Johnston History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms". Retrieved 14 May 2018.
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