Preston is an English place-name surname that rose high among the Hiberno-Norman nobility of the Pale.
Where does the Preston name come from?
Preston is a locative surname of English origin, from any of the many places called Preston — from the Old English préost and tūn, “priest’s farm” or “priest’s settlement,” land belonging to the Church. It became established as a surname and was carried to Ireland in the medieval period.
The Prestons of Gormanston
The Prestons became one of the leading families of the Pale, rising to be Viscounts Gormanston in County Meath — one of the oldest viscountcies in Ireland — and also Viscounts Tara. They were prominent in the life of the medieval and early modern colony. As a settled noble name, Preston is found today across Ireland and among the diaspora in the United States, Canada, Australia and Britain.
Did you know?
- Preston means “priest’s farm” or “priest’s settlement.”
- It comes from a place-name of which there are many in England.
- The Prestons were a leading family of the Pale.
- They became Viscounts Gormanston in County Meath.
- Gormanston is one of the oldest viscountcies in Ireland.
Related Irish family names
You may also like Parsons, Palmer, and Barry.
Frequently asked questions
Is Preston an Irish surname?
Preston is of English origin and became a leading Hiberno-Norman name in Ireland, the Viscounts Gormanston of Meath.
What does Preston mean?
It is a place-name meaning “priest’s farm” or “priest’s settlement.”
Is there a Preston family crest?
Families of the name have heraldic traditions.