Summary

The surname Johnston is of Scottish origin and has a rich history dating back to the 12th century. It is derived from the given name John, which means 'God is gracious'. The Johnstons were a powerful clan in the Scottish Borders region and played a significant role in Scottish history.
There are
131373
Johnstons in the USA
Johnston is the
225th
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Johnston

AndrewJohnston

Andrew Johnston is a British singer who gained fame as a finalist on the reality show 'Britain's Got Talent' in 2008.

JoeJohnston

Joe Johnston is an American film director known for his work on films like 'Jurassic Park III,' 'Captain America: The First Avenger,' and 'Jumanji.'

NicoleJohnston

Nicole Johnston is an Australian politician who has served as a member of the Queensland Legislative Assembly since 2015.

TomJohnston

Tom Johnston was a Scottish rugby union player who represented Scotland in the early 20th century.

JillJohnston

Jill Johnston was an American cultural critic and feminist activist known for her writings on art, dance, and LGBTQ+ issues.

TimJohnston

Tim Johnston is an American author known for his novels 'Descent' and 'The Current,' which explore themes of trauma and mystery.

SharonJohnston

Sharon Johnston is a Canadian architect and the co-founder of the design firm Johnston Marklee. She has worked on various architectural projects around the world.

FionaJohnston

Fiona Johnston is a Scottish television presenter and newsreader known for her work on the BBC Scotland news program 'Reporting Scotland.'

SamuelJohnston

Samuel Johnston was an American statesman who served as Governor of North Carolina and as a delegate to the Continental Congress.

LucasJohnston

Lucas Johnston is an American professor and author specializing in environmental studies and religion.

Johnston Genealogy

OriginsThe surname 'Johnston' is of Scottish origin and is derived from the given name John, which itself comes from the Hebrew name Yochanan meaning 'Yahweh is gracious.' The 't' in Johnston was added to indicate 'son of John.'
Geographic DistributionThe surname 'Johnston' is primarily found in English-speaking countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. It is particularly common in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
VariationsVariations of the surname 'Johnston' include 'Johnson,' 'Johnstone,' 'Jonson,' and 'Johnsen.'
Migration and ImmigrationPeople with the surname 'Johnston' have migrated and immigrated to various countries throughout history, especially during Scottish emigration and British colonization. They have contributed to the diverse populations of countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia.