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Preston

♂ Boy

Pronounced PRES-tun /ˈprɛstən/High

Meaning: Priest's estate; settlement of the priestsHigh

In 30 seconds: A distinguished English place name meaning 'priest's estate.' Preston has a quiet, polished authority — the kind of surname name that sounds successful without being showy, equally at home in the boardroom and on the playground.
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Origin HighEnglish
MeaningPriest's estate; settlement of the priests
U.S. rank (2025)#299 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births1,131 boys (0.06% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2007
Total births (all-time)≈ 122,943

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 200718802025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Preston is an English topographic and place-name surname derived from the Old English preost (priest) and tun (settlement, estate, farm), meaning 'priest's settlement' or 'estate of the priests.' It was a common English place name, found in Lancashire, Yorkshire, Hertfordshire, and elsewhere, reflecting the importance of ecclesiastical landholdings in medieval England.

As a given name, Preston has been used in the United States since the 19th century, particularly in families with English heritage. It gained momentum in the late 20th century and entered the top 200 for boys, where it has held steady, appealing to parents who want a name with professional polish.

Did you know? Preston is one of the most common place names in England — there are over 20 places called Preston across the country — from the Old English preost-tun (priest's farm), reflecting how central the Church was to medieval English life.
Overall data confidence 93%
Behind the Name — Preston — etymology notesU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

Prescott

Nicknames

PresPresto

Famous Bearers

  • ★Preston Tucker (1903–1956)
    American automobile entrepreneur and visionary, subject of the 1988 film Tucker: The Man and His Dream.

If you like Preston…

Paxton— English -ton place-name with the same polished, smooth two-syllable confidence
Peyton— place-name surname with the same professional polish and wide American appeal
Weston— English -ton surname name with the same warm, distinguished character
Dalton— English -ton place-name with the same strong, dependable surname-name feel

Frequently Asked

What does the name Preston mean?

Preston is an Old English place name meaning 'priest's settlement' or 'priest's estate,' from preost (priest) and tun (settlement).

How do you pronounce Preston?

It is said PRES-tun /ˈprɛstən/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Preston a boy or girl name?

Preston is used almost exclusively as a boys' name.

How popular is Preston?

Preston has ranked in the U.S. top 200 for boys consistently over the past two decades.