JOHNSTON
Johnston
Johnston is a common British surname that can trace its origins to Scotland and England. The name is of patronymic origin, meaning it is derived from the personal name "John", a given name that has been prevalent in British culture for centuries.
Etymology:
The surname Johnston is derived from the given name John, which itself comes from the Hebrew name Yochanan, meaning "God is gracious". Over time, the surname Johnston evolved to denote a person who was the "son of John" or "descendant of John".
History:
The Johnston surname has a long history in both Scotland and England. In Scotland, the Johnstons were a prominent Border clan known for their involvement in various political and military struggles. The Scottish Johnstons were part of the powerful Border Reivers, a group of families known for their raids and skirmishes along the Anglo-Scottish border during the late medieval period.
In England, the surname Johnston can be found across different regions, often linked to individuals who migrated from Scotland or had Scottish ancestry. Over time, the name has spread to other parts of the United Kingdom and the world, carried by descendants of immigrants or individuals who have adopted the surname for various reasons.
Notable People:
- Douglas Johnston (1928-2018): Scottish-American theologian and author.
- Jennifer Johnston (b. 1930): Irish author known for her novels and plays.
- Jennifer Johnston (b. 1963): British presenter and journalist.
Variations:
Due to the patronymic nature of the surname Johnston, variations in spelling have arisen over time. Some common variations of the name include Johnson, Johnstone, Jonson, and Johnsson.
Today, the surname Johnston continues to be a widely used and recognizable name in British and global society, reflecting the enduring legacy of the given name "John" and the rich history of the families who bear this surname.
There are approximately 49,348 people named Johnston in the UK. That makes it the 141st most common surname in Britain. Around 758 in a million people in Britain are named Johnston.
Surname type: Location or geographical feature
Origin: Celtic
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: Scotland
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: Gaelic
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Alan
- Andrew
- David
- Ian
- James
- John
- Paul
- Robert
- Thomas
- William
Female
- Catherine
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Helen
- Karen
- Margaret
- Mary
- Nicola
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.