Declining since 2007, #299 for boys today.
Popularity of Preston since 1880
Babies named Preston per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 458 |
| 1890s | 514 |
| 1900s | 739 |
| 1910s | 3,049 |
| 1920s | 4,235 |
| 1930s | 3,441 |
| 1940s | 4,502 |
| 1950s | 5,164 |
| 1960s | 4,783 |
| 1970s | 5,483 |
| 1980s | 10,236 |
| 1990s | 17,088 |
| 2000s | 30,332 |
| 2010s | 25,049 |
| 2020s | 7,885 |
Meaning & origin
Preston is an English surname-turned-first-name that has been in steady use in the United States since the 1880s. Its popularity rose significantly in the late 20th century, reaching its peak rank of 88th in 2007, and has since declined. According to Social Security data, the name was most common in the 2000s, with particular favor in Washington, D.C. (the top state for the name), Mississippi, and West Virginia. In 2025, the name ranked 299th, with approximately 1 in 1,510 newborn boys being named Preston. While still in regular use, its trajectory has been falling since its peak year. The name's etymology, rooted in the Old English words for 'priest' and 'settlement,' connects it to numerous villages across England. Although it lacks a strong religious charge today, Preston carries a traditional, somewhat preppy feel that continues to appeal to parents seeking a familiar but not overly common name.
Preston is an English surname turned given name, derived from any of the many places in England called Preston, which in Old English means 'priest's settlement' (preost + tun). The name has been in use since the Middle Ages and gained popularity in the United States in the late 20th century, particularly in the South. It fits into the category of surname-names that became fashionable for boys in the 1980s and 1990s.
Where Preston is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Preston” around the world
Where Preston lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
20
babies in 2024
Ireland
5
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Pres, Pres
Sibling names for Preston
Names that share Preston's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Piper, Paige, Peyton, Avery, Madison, Brynn, Londyn, Bristol, Kadence, Kamri, Karleigh, Kynslee, Legacy, Malaysia, Page, Acelynn, Aubreigh, Baleigh, Blessing, Caelyn, Daylin, Josslyn, Kensington, Preslee, Pyper, Renley, Royale, Rozlyn, Amberley, Ambrea, Bradi, Brittyn, Bryley, Calynn, Cambri, Caylyn, Cherrish, Cidney, Devanie, Ellyson, Jaleigh, Joleigh, Kambrie, Kearston, Kendalynn, Kenzington, Kerrington, Kesley, Kierstan, Londen, Lynnlee, Maylene, Payslee, Renleigh, Sarenity, Tailyn, Tequilla, Aftyn, Averyanna, Berklie, Brealyn, Brelynn, Brenae, Brittin, Caeleigh, Caelynn, Cyleigh, Havannah, Jozelyn, Kelbie, Kendalyn, Kirston, Kylinn, Lovelyn, Lynlee, Madyn, Makalyn, Makinsley, Mckenley, Paticia, Porschia, Quincee, Railee, Reighlyn, Rielynn, Ryenne, Taegen, Wesleigh, Jaelyne, Aliceson, Anisten, Annaston, Aynslee, Brityn, Camree, Copelyn, Gentri, Kacelyn, Keirston, Kember, Kennede, Kierstynn, Kortlynn, Laityn, Lynnsie, Paulla, Preslyn, Preslynn, Rilynne, Success
Brothers: Jackson, Carson, Grayson, Mason, Landen, Landon, Axton, Branson, Brentley, Cayden, Cliffton, Colten, Corbin, Dayton, Garrick, Hilton, Kamron, Kennon, Remington, Ryden, Shelton, Sincere, Stanton, Trentin, Tristian, Westin, Zaiden, Brighton, Brison, Chancellor, Courtland, Dixon, Drayton, Fitzgerald, Jacen, Jaedon, Kainen, Kelson, Kirkland, Klayton, Korbyn, Kriston, Pearson, Raylen, Raylon, Stratton, Taven, Thornton, Treston, Tryston, Wesson, Ayson, Bowden, Braelon, Branton, Braydan, Breyden, Brinton, Briston, Bryston, Cadin, Caisen, Caldwell, Chaston, Cheston, Claiborne, Cordale, Crayton, Dennison, Eastin, Everton, Hesston, Hinton, Jayton, Kamerin, Keeton, Klinton, Kyrian, Lathen, Layden, Layten, Lofton, Maddax, Paxtyn, Remmington, Richardson, Riggin, Tayten, Townsend, Trinton, Wynston, Ashon, Ashtan, Blayton, Brayon, Brockton, Daltin, Deyton, Dreden, Dreyton, Finesse, Huntington, Jaimeson, Jaston, Javyn, Kashten, Keiton, Kenston, Kenyen, Koston, Pace, Paxten, Perrion, Presten, Raydon, Taison, Tannon, Treysen, Tyeson, Brentton, Breylan, Daiton, Tameron, Axtyn, Bradden, Branston, Brentyn, Breven, Brextyn, Brittian, Brookston, Brysten, Cayton, Cleburne, Cranston, Criston, Donnavan, Dreydon, Godson, Grantland, Jaevin, Jaydeen, Josten, Kalvyn, Kayston, Keiland, Kholton, Kinston, Klayten, Kourtland, Mayfield, Partick, Piercen, Rylend, Traeton, Trentan, Tresten, Trinten, Winchester
Names like Preston
Names whose popularity has moved with Preston's over the last 50 years.
