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Liston

♂ Boy

Pronounced LIS-tun /ˈlɪs.tən/Medium

Meaning: Liston is an English and Scottish surname from place-names (as near Edinburgh), likely 'settlement' elements. Used as a given name (and known via boxer Sonny Liston), it reads as a surname-name; the precise place-meaning is uncertain, which we note.Low

In 30 seconds: A rugged surname-name: Liston comes from an English/Scottish place-name (said 'LIS-tun'). Its exact meaning is uncertain, which we note.

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Origin LowEnglish, Scottish

MeaningListon is an English and Scottish surname from place-names (as near Edinburgh), likely 'settlement' elements. Used as a given name (and known via boxer Sonny Liston), it reads as a surname-name; the precise place-meaning is uncertain, which we note.

U.S. rank (2024)#11755 ↗ Rising

2024 U.S. births6 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1923

Total births (all-time)≈ 930

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

As a boy's name, Liston is an English and Scottish surname turned given name, drawn from place-names. Its exact origin-meaning is uncertain, so we note it. A rugged, surname-style pick (said 'LIS-tun').

It appears only rarely for boys in the U.S. Rare, surname-styled, and distinctive.

Did you know? Liston is a British place-and-surname, known through boxing great Sonny Liston — a distinctive surname-name whose precise place-meaning is uncertain, which we note (said 'LIS-tun').

Overall data confidence 40%

References — Liston — English/Scottish surname and place-name; precise meaning uncertain

Variations

LisdonListonLyston

Nicknames

LisSonny

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

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By themeuncertain modern place-name surname

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Liston mean?

Liston is an English and Scottish surname from place-names; its precise place-meaning is uncertain, which we note.

How do you pronounce Liston?

It's said LIS-tun /ˈlɪs.tən/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Liston a boy or girl name?

Here Liston is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Liston?

Liston is a rare name for boys in the U.S.