JOHNSTONE
Johnstone
Johnstone is a prominent surname of Scottish origin, derived from the medieval personal name "John" and the Middle English word "tun," meaning settlement or town. The surname Johnstone is associated with numerous historical events and figures, particularly in Scotland and England.
Origin and Meaning:
The Johnstone surname originated from the given name John, which itself traces back to Hebrew origins, meaning “God is gracious”. The addition of the word "tun" signifies the name bearer originally belonged to or resided in a settlement associated with John. Over time, the surname has evolved and taken various forms including Johnston and Johnstoun.
History:
The Johnstone name can be traced back to the ancient border regions of Scotland and England, where the Johnstone family played a significant role in the turbulent history of the area. The family held positions of power and influence and were associated with various noble houses, including the Scottish Clan Johnstone. Members of the Johnstone family were knights, landowners, and notable figures in politics and military affairs.
Notable Figures:
- James Johnstone, 1st Baron Derwentwater - A prominent figure in Jacobite uprisings and the first Baron Derwentwater.
- George Johnstone - British naval officer, colonial governor, and Member of Parliament in the 18th century.
- David Johnstone - Renowned Scottish violinist and composer known for his contributions to traditional Scottish music.
Modern Distribution:
Today, the Johnstone surname is found not only in Scotland and England but also in various parts of the world influenced by British migration and diaspora. The name continues to hold significance for individuals proud of their Scottish heritage or seeking to trace their ancestry back to the Johnstone lineage.
Variants and Derivatives:
Variants of the Johnstone surname include Johnston, Johnstoun, Jonston, and Jonstone. These variants can often be found in historical records and documents related to individuals bearing the Johnstone name.
In conclusion, the Johnstone surname carries a rich history and is associated with notable figures and events in Scottish and British history. With its origins rooted in medieval times, the name continues to endure as a prominent Scottish surname with a global presence.
There are approximately 23,391 people named Johnstone in the UK. That makes it the 357th most common surname in Britain. Around 359 in a million people in Britain are named Johnstone.
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
- Anne
- Catherine
- Claire
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Helen
- Karen
- Margaret
- Mary
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.