Origin & Meaning of the Alston Surname
What does the last name Alston mean?
The surname Alston carries the meaning "From a town or settlement." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 30,693 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Alston ranks as the #1,148 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Alston come from?
The Alston surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Alston name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Alston trace back to Old English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Alston |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a town or settlement |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,148 |
| US Count (2010) | 30,693 |
| Per 100K People | 10.41 |
| First Letter | A |
Ethnic Distribution of Alston
According to the US Census, the Alston surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 30,693 Americans with the Alston last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 13.76% |
| Black | 79.83% |
| Hispanic | 2.51% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.22% |
| Native American | 0.4% |
| Two or More Races | 3.28% |
Popularity of Alston Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Alston surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Alston surname increased by 2,604 between 2000 and 2010.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Alston
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