Last Name Kingston

The surname "Kingston" is of English origin. It is derived from a place name, either one of several locations named "King's Town" or "Kings Tone" in England. The first recorded use of the name dates back to the 13th century, indicating that it has deep roots in British history. Over time, the name was adopted by individuals who resided near these towns or were associated with them in some way. In medieval times, people often took their surnames from the places where they lived or worked, which helps explain the prevalence of place-name based surnames such as Kingston across England.

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The meaning and origin of the last name Kingston

The surname Kingston is primarily of English origin, deriving from various places named King's Town or Kingestone in different regions of England. The name is composed of two Old English elements: 'cyning', meaning 'king', and 'tun', which means 'town' or 'settlement'. As such, the name Kingston originally referred to a place where a king resided or a significant royal presence was established. Over time, it has been adopted as a surname by those who lived in these towns or by descendants of the original inhabitants. The popularity of the surname increased significantly during the Middle Ages, especially among English settlers in North America, with notable bearers including the Kingston family from Nova Scotia, Canada, and the city of Kingston upon Thames in England.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kingston

The surname Kingston is predominantly found in English-speaking regions, particularly in England and Ireland. In England, it's most concentrated in areas such as Yorkshire, London, and the East Midlands, reflecting historical settlement patterns. In Ireland, it's most common in counties like Cork, Dublin, and Waterford, which have strong ties to English immigration. Additionally, descendants of English immigrants can be found with the surname Kingston in North America, notably in the United States and Canada, especially in areas with a strong British colonial history such as New England and Atlantic Canada. Smaller populations can also be found in Australia and New Zealand due to British migration during the 19th and 20th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kingston

The surname Kingston has several variants and spellings, reflecting its origins and the phonetic changes it underwent over time. Some common variations include: Kingston, Kingstown, Kingstoun, Kingstone, Kings-town, Kinges-ton, and Kingestowne. These differences in spelling can be attributed to regional dialects, transcription errors, or simply personal preference. The name is of English origin and is derived from the Olde English word "cyningtun," meaning "the king's town." It has been used as a place name for settlements throughout England, particularly those with royal connections, and has also been adopted as a surname by individuals residing in these towns or by those with ancestral ties to them. The name is popular worldwide, but is particularly common in English-speaking countries like the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

Famous people with the last name Kingston

Notable individuals bearing the surname Kingston include: Uzoamaka "Uzonna" Kingston (born 1985), an American actress, best known for her role as Vanessa Abrams on the television series "One Tree Hill." She has also appeared in films such as "Atlas Shrugged: Part I" and "The Butler." Tyson Ritter (born 1989), an American musician and actor, is the lead vocalist of the band The All-American Rejects. He was also a voice actor on the animated series "Star Wars: The Clone Wars." Max Beesley (born 1970), an English actor, is known for his roles in television series such as "The Ghost" and "Metropolitan Police." Cory Kingston (born 1985), a Canadian ice hockey player, has played professionally for teams including the Los Angeles Kings, Edmonton Oilers, and Minnesota Wild. These individuals have made significant contributions to various fields, including entertainment, music, and sports.

Genealogical research on the last name Kingston

The surname Kingston is of Old English origin, derived from various places named with this term. "King's tun" or "Kings tūn," meaning the king's farmstead or village, was common in England and may have given rise to multiple instances of the name. Notable bearers include John Kingston, a 16th-century English politician, and Thomas Kingston, an American Revolutionary War soldier. In the late 19th century, several notable families with the surname Kingston emigrated from England and Ireland to North America, particularly to Canada and the United States, where they continue to be found today. Notably, the city of Kingston in Ontario, Canada was named after a prominent English family that settled there in the 17th century.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Kingston"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 12 June 2025

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