Houlston

Houlston is a British surname with historic origins that can be traced back to the medieval period. The surname is of Anglo-Saxon origin, deriving from the Old English personal name "Hulstan," which combines the elements "hul" meaning "care" or "protection," and "stan" meaning "stone."

The earliest recorded instance of the Houlston surname dates to the late 13th century in England, specifically in the Worcestershire region. Over the centuries, bearers of the surname spread to other parts of the United Kingdom and beyond, resulting in a diverse diaspora of the Houlston family.

Individuals with the surname Houlston have been noted in various historical records, including census data, parish registers, and civil records. The name has been associated with individuals from a range of occupations and social backgrounds, reflecting the diverse nature of the British population.

Today, the surname Houlston continues to be present in modern British society, with descendants of the original bearers scattered across the country. The name serves as a reminder of the rich tapestry of British history and the enduring legacy of its people.

References:

  • P.H. Reaney, R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames (1991)
  • The National Archives, UK

There are approximately 739 people named Houlston in the UK. That makes it roughly the 9,312th most common surname in Britain. Around 11 in a million people in Britain are named Houlston.

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Adam
  • Andrew
  • Clive
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Philip
  • Robin

Female

  • Ann
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Helen
  • Jacqueline
  • Joanne
  • Julie
  • Sarah
  • Susan
  • Wendy

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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