Summary

The surname Preston is of English origin and derived from the Old English words 'preost' meaning 'priest' and 'tun' meaning 'town' or 'settlement'. It is likely that the name was originally given to someone who either lived near a priest's town or worked as a priest or had connections with the clergy. The surname may also have originated from various places named Preston in England, such as Preston in Lancashire and Preston in Kent.
There are
47367
Prestons in the USA
Preston is the
736th
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Preston

RichardPreston

Richard Preston is an American writer best known for his books on infectious diseases and bioterrorism, including 'The Hot Zone' and 'The Cobra Event.'

BillyPreston

Billy Preston was an American musician and songwriter who collaborated with artists like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, known for his soulful keyboard playing.

RobertPreston

Robert Preston was an American stage and film actor, best known for his role as Harold Hill in the musical 'The Music Man,' for which he received a Tony Award.

CarriePreston

Carrie Preston is an American actress known for her roles in TV shows like 'True Blood' and 'The Good Wife,' for which she won an Emmy Award.

KellyPreston

Kelly Preston was an American actress known for her roles in films like 'Twins' and 'Jerry Maguire,' as well as her marriage to actor John Travolta.

BenjaminPreston

Benjamin Preston was an English composer and organist of the late Romantic and early modern periods, known for his choral and organ works.

HaydnPreston

Haydn Preston is a fictional character in the British soap opera 'Hollyoaks,' portrayed by actor Jonny Clarke.

RobertPreston

Robert Preston was an English footballer who played as a defender for clubs like Manchester City and Stoke City in the early 20th century.

MargaretPreston

Margaret Preston was an Australian artist and printmaker known for her contributions to modernist art and her depictions of native Australian flora and fauna.

WilliamPreston

William Preston was an American frontier scout and politician who played a prominent role in the early settlement of Kentucky and later became the first Grand Master of the Kentucky Masonic Lodge.

Preston Genealogy

OriginsThe surname 'Preston' is of English origin and is derived from the Old English word 'preost,' meaning 'priest,' and the suffix 'tun,' meaning 'enclosure' or 'settlement.' It is believed to have originally referred to a place where a priest lived or a settlement with a church.
Geographic DistributionThe surname 'Preston' is most commonly found in the United States, particularly in states like Texas, California, Florida, and New York. It is also present in the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.
VariationsVariations of the surname 'Preston' include 'Priestman,' 'Priestley,' and 'Preister.'
Migration and ImmigrationThe name 'Preston' has been carried by immigrants from England to countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia, particularly during periods of British colonization and industrialization.