Alston

Alston is a surname of English origin, associated with various locations in the United Kingdom. It is derived from the Old English personal name "Ælle" or "Ealhstan," combined with the suffix "-ton," meaning settlement or town. The name suggests a connection to a settlement founded or owned by an individual named Ælle or Ealhstan in ancient times.

The Alston surname is predominantly found in Northern England, particularly in the historic counties of Cumberland and Northumberland. It is associated with several villages and towns named Alston, most notably the market town of Alston in Cumbria. This picturesque town, situated in the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, has a rich mining history and is known for its distinctive stone-built architecture.

Throughout history, individuals bearing the surname Alston have made notable contributions to various fields, including academia, the arts, and politics. The name has been recorded in various historical documents, such as parish registers, wills, and census records, providing insights into the lives of Alston families over the centuries.

Today, the Alston surname remains relatively common in the United Kingdom and among the British diaspora worldwide. It continues to be passed down through generations, preserving the legacy of those early settlers and their descendants who shaped the history and identity of the British Isles.

There are approximately 2,491 people named Alston in the UK. That makes it roughly the 3,524th most common surname in Britain. Around 38 in a million people in Britain are named Alston.

Surname type: Location or geographical feature

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Anthony
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Richard
  • Robert
  • William

Female

  • Ann
  • Christine
  • Elizabeth
  • Helen
  • Janet
  • Karen
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Patricia
  • Sharon
  • Susan
  • Tracey

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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