Surname Prestoun - Meaning and Origin

Prestoun: What does the surname Prestoun mean?

The last name Prestoun is of Scottish origin and is a variant of the name Preston. It is a habitational name derived from various places, in Scotland particularly in East and Mid Lothian, that got their names from the Old English terms "preost" meaning "priest" and "tun" meaning "farm" or "settlement". The combination of these terms suggests a settlement or area inhabited by priests. Thus, the last name Prestoun could indicate an ancestral connection to these locations, or it may also signify religious or pastoral service from ancestors. As with many old surnames, its significance may be lost over generations and become merely a family identifier. Please note that surnames can have multiple origins and meanings. They can also be influenced by local dialects, regional linguistic phenomena, and societal changes over the centuries. Therefore, conclusions about the meaning and origin of a surname should be considered approximations at best.

Prestoun: Where does the name Prestoun come from?

The last name Prestoun is commonly found throughout many countries in Europe, particularly in Scotland. It was introduced to this region by Norman nobles during the medieval period and would later be included in younger generations through marriages or adoptions. While the first known Prestouns were located in Scotland, the surname would come to spread to neighboring countries. In England, for example, a small number of Prestouns have been found with a few still living in northern counties such as Yorkshire and Lancashire.

The surname continued its spread to other countries across the continent. In Ireland, the name Prestoun is still used today and is commonly concentrated in the province of Ulster, particularly near the border of the Republic of Ireland. The name can also be found in several regions of Germany, particularly in the state of Baden-Württemberg, where a few Prestouns are still traced back to the 1800s.

While Prestoun is primarily found in Europe, some may have emigrated to distant countries throughout the subsequent centuries. Specifically, records dating back to the mid-1800s indicate that some Prestouns had migrated to the United States, eventually settling in several states. A number of Prestouns have since been documented as living in countries such as Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, although their presence remains largely concentrated in their European origins.

Variations of the surname Prestoun

The surname Prestoun is found in many variations and spellings. Most common variations of Prestoun include Prestun, Prestone, Prestin, Prestan, Presten, Prestwin, Prestwen, Prestwinn, Presctoun, Prieston, Presten and Prestwinne.

Many of these spellings bear similarities to other surnames of similar origin. Similar surnames descended from Prestoun include Priestown, Presthorne, Priesthorne, Prestman, Prestrose, Prestright, Priestright, Preistley and Presthain. These spellings come from the language of the Middle Ages and bear similarities to the English surname Prater.

Many families have split and adopted other spellings of the name over time. As such it is possible to find other spelling variants such as Prestain, Praesten, and Prestolph. It is also popular for families to drop the 'O' from the name and simply use Peston or Pesten. Other rustic spellings of the name can also be found, such as Presshown, Pressney and Preshiln.

Though these variants and spellings may be quite different, they all share the same origin as Prestoun.

Famous people with the name Prestoun

• Laurie Prestoun: New Zealand professional lawn bowls player, and competed in the Commonwealth Games.
• William Preston: English inventor of the Prestotype printing press.
• J. K. Rowling: British author of the Harry Potter series, whose maiden name is Joanne Kathleen Rowling-Prestoun.
• Henry Prestoun: British physician and Medical Officer to the British Admiralty who wrote extensively on tropical medicine.
• Thomas Prestoun: Scottish industrial painter and worker in the arts world.
• Euan Prestoun: Scottish musician, associated with the folk band Capercaillie.
• Fiona Prestoun: Scottish actress who starred as the character Robina in the 2001 film Brothers and Sisters.
• Kristin Prestoun: American actress known for her roles in films such as Ready to Die and TV shows such as Storm Chasers.
• Nicola Prestoun: Scottish actress known for her roles on the BBC shows Doctors and Cuttin It.
• Levi Prestoun: American professional wrestler who held championship titles in the Ohio Valley Wrestling organization.
• Garry Prestoun: Australian cricket player who playing for the New South Wales Second XI.
• Alexander Prestoun: Scottish landed gentleman and landowner.
• Alfred Percy Prestoun: Canadian politician, who served as a Conservative Member of Parliament in the House of Commons from the 1940s through the 1960s.
• Robert Prestoun: Canadian hockey player who played for several teams in the 1930s.
• Dave Prestoun: Football player for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the 1970s.

Other surnames

PrestonPrestone