Preston is a name of English origin that has gained popularity in recent years. It is derived from the Old English words "preost" and "tun", which together mean "priest's farm". This name was originally used to describe a settlement or estate owned by a priest.
The name Preston first appeared as a surname in England during the Middle Ages, where it was often used to indicate that an individual lived near a priest's farm. Over time, Preston evolved from being primarily a surname into a given name for boys.
There are several notable figures with the name Preston throughout history. One of the most famous is Sir Preston of Craigmillar, a Scottish knight who fought alongside Robert the Bruce during the Wars of Scottish Independence in the 14th century. Another notable figure is Preston Manning, a Canadian politician and founder of the Reform Party.
Despite its historical significance, the meaning behind the name Preston remains relatively simple: it refers to a connection with religious figures or institutions, as suggested by its etymology. However, this doesn't necessarily limit its appeal, as many people are drawn to names with deep roots in history or culture.
In terms of popularity, Preston has seen fluctuations over time but has generally maintained steady usage. According to data from the Social Security Administration, it peaked at number 218 among boys' names in the United States during the year 2000, but its ranking has since declined somewhat. Nevertheless, it remains a popular choice for parents looking for a strong and distinctive name with a rich history behind it.
Overall, Preston is an interesting and unique given name with deep roots in English history. Its meaning may be simple, but its connection to prominent historical figures makes it all the more appealing as a choice for parents seeking a meaningful name for their child.
The name Preston experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the years, with a notable increase in recent decades. Between 1880 and 1929, the number of annual births named Preston ranged from a low of 36 to a high of 218, averaging around 87 births per year. The next decade saw a substantial rise, with birth counts reaching over 400 in some years, peaking at 525 in 1947.
The trend continued upward from the late 1960s onwards, with annual births surpassing 500 regularly and hitting record highs of 2,743 in 2000 and 3,718 in 2006. However, since then, there has been a decline, with birth counts dropping below 2,000 in recent years, reaching as low as 1,228 in 2023.
In total, over the span of 142 years (1880-2022), the name Preston was given to 120,746 newborns.