Origin & Meaning of the Preston Surname
What does the last name Preston mean?
The surname Preston 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 47,367 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Preston ranks as the #736 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Preston come from?
The Preston 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 Preston name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Preston 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 | Preston |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a town or settlement |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #736 |
| US Count (2010) | 47,367 |
| Per 100K People | 16.06 |
| First Letter | P |
Ethnic Distribution of Preston
According to the US Census, the Preston surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 47,367 Americans with the Preston last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 73.18% |
| Black | 20.4% |
| Hispanic | 2.49% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.57% |
| Native American | 1.05% |
| Two or More Races | 2.3% |
Popularity of Preston Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Preston surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Preston surname increased by 1,517 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other English Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Preston
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