The surname Johnston is an Anglicized form of several Gaelic names. One is Seachtson, meaning "the son of John," derived from the personal name Ioan, which was brought to Scotland by the Normans and later Anglicized as John. Another is MacSeachnasaigh, meaning "son of Sean (John)," which was anglicized as MacJohnston or Johnson in Scotland and later spread to Ireland. The surname Johnston can also be found in various parts of England, where it may have originally been a local name for someone from the town of Johnstown, although this is less common than the Gaelic origins.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Johnston
The meaning and origin of the last name Johnston
The surname Johnston is an Anglicized form of various Gaelic names, primarily MacSeáin (son of John), Mac Eoin (son of John), or MacIain (high John). These Gaelic names are derived from the given name Seán or Eoin, which mean "God is gracious" or "divine grace," combined with the Gaelic prefix mac, meaning "son." The surname Johnston is common in Scotland, Ireland, and northern England. It is also a variant of the Scottish clan name MacIan, which originated from the Isle of Islay off the west coast of Scotland, but spread throughout Scotland due to migration and conquest during the Middle Ages. In modern times, bearers of the surname can be found across the English-speaking world.
Geographical distribution of the last name Johnston
The surname Johnston is predominantly of Scottish origin and is distributed widely due to historical migration patterns. In Scotland, it's most common in areas such as the Lothians, Borders, and Aberdeen, reflecting its origins from early settlements around these regions. The name also has significant representation in Northern Ireland, where it's a variant of the Irish surname Seántóin or O'Seachtnáin. In North America, Johnston is prevalent due to Scottish immigration during the 18th and 19th centuries, particularly in Canada, where it ranks among the top 200 surnames. In the United States, it's most common in states with a history of Scottish settlement like Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Kentucky. Additionally, Johnston is also found in Australia and New Zealand due to migration from Scotland and England during colonial times.
Variants and spellings of the last name Johnston
The surname Johnston has several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and regional pronunciation over time. Some common spelling variations include:
* Johnson (the most common variation)
* Jonson
* Jonston
* Jonestoun
* Jonaston
* Janston
* Jeanson
* Gonson (rare)
These variations can be found in various parts of the English-speaking world, including England, Ireland, Scotland, and the United States. The surname is an Anglicized form of several Gaelic names, such as Mac Seanachain (son of John) or Mac Eoghain (son of Eugene), which were common among Highland Scots and Irish families.
Famous people with the last name Johnston
Notable individuals with the surname Johnston include:
1. James Johnston, a Scottish economist and political theorist known for his works on free trade and currency issues during the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
2. Robert Johnston, an American geographer who developed the concept of urban growth boundaries in Portland, Oregon, as a solution to urban sprawl.
3. Neil Johnston, an Australian pharmacist and writer known for his work on pharmacy management and education. He is also the founder of Pharmacy Focus, a publication focused on the issues affecting community pharmacies.
4. Martha Johnston, an American scientist and astronomer who made significant contributions to the study of stellar spectroscopy and was the first woman to be elected as a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society.
5. Alasdair Johnston, a Scottish professional footballer who currently plays as a forward for Celtic Football Club. He is also a member of the Scotland national team.
These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields such as economics, geography, pharmacy, astronomy, and sports, highlighting the versatility and achievements of people with the surname Johnston.
Genealogical research on the last name Johnston
The surname Johnston is of Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic sept of Mac Iain Shon, meaning "son of John." The clan's original territory was in Argyllshire, where they were hereditary bards to the Lords of the Isles. The family name became popular throughout Scotland and Ireland due to migrations during the 16th and 17th centuries. In England, the name is believed to have been introduced by Norman settlers who came with William the Conqueror in 1066, although this connection is still a subject of debate among genealogists. Notable figures bearing the surname Johnston include Sir George Johnston, a Scottish military leader during the Jacobite risings; Thomas Johnston, a British politician who served as President of the Board of Trade; and Janet Johnston, an early American pioneer and wife of Daniel Boone. The Johnston Clan Society was founded in 1924 to promote the study of their history and heritage.
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