Johnston is a surname of Scottish origin, derived from the name John and the suffix "-stone". The name was likely given to someone who lived near a stone building or landmark associated with the name John. The meaning of Johnston is "son of John".
The surname Johnston has a long history in Scotland, with records dating back to the 13th century. It is believed that the name originated in the Scottish Lowlands, particularly around the borders of Scotland and England.
Over time, the name Johnston spread beyond Scotland and can now be found throughout the world. Today, it is considered one of the most common surnames in English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Despite its widespread use, there are no significant historical figures or events associated with the surname Johnston. However, it remains a popular choice for parents looking for a strong, traditional name for their sons.
The name Johnston has seen a varying degree of popularity over the years in the United States. Between 1914 and 2023, there have been a total of 497 babies named Johnston.
Looking at the year-by-year statistics, we can see that the name's popularity has fluctuated quite a bit. The highest number of births was recorded in 2007 with 18 babies named Johnston. This was followed by 15 births in 2000 and 16 births in 2009.
Interestingly, there were also years where the name didn't gain much traction at all. For instance, between 1944 and 1973, there were only five years with more than five babies named Johnston each year.
However, since then, the popularity of the name has picked up again. From 1975 to 2023, there have been ten or more births every year except for 1987 and 2020.
This data shows that while Johnston may not be one of the most popular names in the U.S., it has maintained a consistent presence over the years. It's possible that this name could see even greater popularity in the future, given its recent trends.