Preston Boy
Origin(s)
PronunciationPRES-tun / /ˈprɛstən/English; Old English
Meaning
English: priest's town; Old English: from the priest's estate
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Preston has its roots in Old English, derived from the elements "preost," meaning "priest," and "tun," meaning "town" or "settlement." This etymology suggests that the name originally referred to a "priest's town" or a settlement associated with a church or religious figure. The name was first recorded in the 11th century, particularly in the Domesday Book of 1086, which documented landholdings in England after the Norman Conquest. The name has since evolved through various forms, including the Middle English "Preston," before solidifying into its modern spelling in the 19th century.
Historically, Preston has been associated with several notable locations in England, particularly the town of Preston in Lancashire, which played a significant role during the Industrial Revolution. The town became a center for textile manufacturing, contributing to its prominence in the 19th century. Additionally, the name has been borne by various historical figures, including Preston of the 17th century, who was a prominent parliamentary figure during the English Civil War. The name also appears in various literary works and historical texts, further embedding it in English cultural history.
Culturally, the name Preston carries connotations of community and religious significance, reflecting its origins tied to ecclesiastical authority. It has been used in various contexts, from place names to surnames, and has maintained a sense of tradition and heritage. The diminutive form "Pres" has also emerged in some contexts, although it is less commonly used. Overall, Preston encapsulates a blend of historical, cultural, and linguistic significance that has allowed it to endure through the centuries.
Trend Summary
Preston has seen fluctuating popularity in the United States, peaking in the early 2000s.
Similar Names
Variants
- Pres
- Prestonian
International Variants
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Famous people named Preston
Preston Sturges was a filmmaker and screenwriter best known for Sullivan's Travels, The Lady Eve, and Miracle of Morgan's Creek.
Preston Brooks was a notable figure in American history best known for his role in the Brooks-Sumner incident.
Preston Manning is a political figure best known for founding the Reform Party of Canada and serving as its leader.
Fictional characters named Preston
Preston Garvey is a fictional character from the video game Fallout 4. He is a member of the Railroad and serves as a key companion to the player character, providing guidance and support throughout the game.
Sibling Suggestions
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Preston was first seen in the United States in 1880. Preston has ranked as high as #200 nationally, which occurred in 2007, and has been most popular in Texas, California, North Carolina, Florida, and Georgia. In the past 5 years the name Preston has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Preston (2024)
State | Births | Share |
---|---|---|
TX | 126 | |
FL | 78 | |
CA | 77 | |
NC | 49 | |
NY | 47 | |
OH | 43 | |
MI | 40 | |
PA | 39 | |
GA | 38 | |
TN | 34 | |
VA | 34 | |
SC | 31 | |
LA | 30 | |
IN | 29 | |
MO | 27 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
Year | Births |
---|---|
1880 | 47 |
1881 | 36 |
1882 | 49 |
1883 | 52 |
1884 | 49 |
1885 | 48 |
1886 | 36 |
1887 | 44 |
1888 | 58 |
1889 | 39 |
1890 | 49 |
1891 | 51 |
1892 | 49 |
1893 | 46 |
1894 | 66 |
1895 | 58 |
1896 | 53 |
1897 | 37 |
1898 | 53 |
1899 | 52 |
1900 | 78 |
1901 | 78 |
1902 | 62 |
1903 | 76 |
1904 | 67 |
1905 | 82 |
1906 | 61 |
1907 | 71 |
1908 | 88 |
1909 | 76 |
1910 | 112 |
1911 | 128 |
1912 | 206 |
1913 | 218 |
1914 | 319 |
1915 | 388 |
1916 | 418 |
1917 | 413 |
1918 | 417 |
1919 | 430 |
1920 | 482 |
1921 | 448 |
1922 | 467 |
1923 | 478 |
1924 | 414 |
1925 | 426 |
1926 | 416 |
1927 | 375 |
1928 | 381 |
1929 | 348 |
1930 | 379 |
1931 | 333 |
1932 | 352 |
1933 | 317 |
1934 | 357 |
1935 | 324 |
1936 | 334 |
1937 | 360 |
1938 | 332 |
1939 | 353 |
1940 | 381 |
1941 | 395 |
1942 | 447 |
1943 | 448 |
1944 | 408 |
1945 | 450 |
1946 | 452 |
1947 | 525 |
1948 | 461 |
1949 | 535 |
1950 | 535 |
1951 | 519 |
1952 | 557 |
1953 | 516 |
1954 | 484 |
1955 | 524 |
1956 | 549 |
1957 | 516 |
1958 | 479 |
1959 | 485 |
1960 | 478 |
1961 | 451 |
1962 | 484 |
1963 | 476 |
1964 | 453 |
1965 | 456 |
1966 | 520 |
1967 | 460 |
1968 | 498 |
1969 | 507 |
1970 | 522 |
1971 | 540 |
1972 | 568 |
1973 | 484 |
1974 | 482 |
1975 | 450 |
1976 | 567 |
1977 | 583 |
1978 | 597 |
1979 | 690 |
1980 | 763 |
1981 | 744 |
1982 | 807 |
1983 | 819 |
1984 | 904 |
1985 | 978 |
1986 | 1,121 |
1987 | 1,278 |
1988 | 1,352 |
1989 | 1,470 |
1990 | 1,527 |
1991 | 1,426 |
1992 | 1,528 |
1993 | 1,545 |
1994 | 1,606 |
1995 | 1,715 |
1996 | 1,672 |
1997 | 1,889 |
1998 | 1,891 |
1999 | 2,291 |
2000 | 2,743 |
2001 | 2,618 |
2002 | 2,515 |
2003 | 2,640 |
2004 | 2,646 |
2005 | 2,728 |
2006 | 3,719 |
2007 | 3,796 |
2008 | 3,461 |
2009 | 3,463 |
2010 | 3,107 |
2011 | 3,036 |
2012 | 2,944 |
2013 | 2,668 |
2014 | 2,733 |
2015 | 2,455 |
2016 | 2,313 |
2017 | 2,073 |
2018 | 1,966 |
2019 | 1,748 |
2020 | 1,646 |
2021 | 1,472 |
2022 | 1,353 |
2023 | 1,230 |
2024 | 1,045 |