Surname Listen - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'L'
Listen: What does the surname Listen mean?
The last name Lyston is believed to be of Anglo-Saxon origin. It is derived from two possible sources – a Norman French locational name derived from the village of Liston in Lincolnshire, England, and a nickname derived from the Old English word “listen,” meaning to be attentive. The earliest known record of the name is in the 13th century, when William de Liston was recorded as living in County Lincolnshire in 1273.
The locational name, however, is more likely the source of the Lyston surname. It refers to a person who lived near, or was descendent from someone who originated in, the village of Liston. The village is described in the Domesday Book of 1086 as Listentuna, which translates to “the farmstead of the listener.” This suggests that a prominent landowner in the area had the nickname “listener” and the village name evolved from this.
The surname Lyston is also found in Ireland, where it was brought to by English settlers in the 17th century. The name is anglicised from the Gaelic Mac Giolla Easpaig, which in turn is derived from the personal name Giolla Easpaig, meaning “servant of the bishop.”
Regardless of the origin, the surname Lyston is an interesting one that conjures up two possible interpretations – either it is derived from the nickname “listener” or it refers to someone who was a servant of a bishop. It is a unique and unusual name that is sure to evoke conversation among those who use it.
Order DNA origin analysisListen: Where does the name Listen come from?
The last name Lyston is most commonly found in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, though it can also be found in other parts of the Anglosphere. It's possible that the name may have originated with an Irish or British family, and has been passed down for generations. Lyston is relatively uncommon amongst other countries, so there are likely to be far fewer people with the name in those places.
Though no one is certain of the origin of the name, there are several theories out there. It has been proposed that Lyston could be a form of the Old English surname Liston, which has a meaning of 'enclosed valley'. This could hint at a more rural history for the name, which would make sense given its prevalence in the more rural parts of the UK and Ireland.
Other theories suggest that the name could be derived from a Gaelic or Welsh name that has been Anglicized. While there is no clear evidence to support that conclusion, the Gaelic or Welsh origin would also make sense considering that the name is more commonly found in parts of the UK and Ireland where both languages are spoken.
Given that its meaning is unclear, Lyston is a mystery to many people. Regardless of its origin, it is a strong name that often represents a long family history in countries like the UK and the Republic of Ireland.
Variations of the surname Listen
The surname LISTEN is of Anglo-Saxon and Old English origin, deriving from the Old English baptismal name, Leofwine, which means 'dear friend'. Variants of the surname include LESTON, LESTEN, LYSTON, LISTIN, LISTON, LYSTEN, and LYSTIN.
In addition, there are numerous additional surnames which have developed from the same root origin. These alternate spellings include LESTANE, LESTAN, Listene, Lystain, and Lyton.
Surnames which have developed from consecutive generations of LISTEN descendants are LYSTER, LISTER, LYSTERN, LISTERN, LYSTERN, LIESTON, and LYSTONE.
Alternate spellings which have been used in the adoption of other cultures include MacLyston, MacListan, and McListan.
Finally, many LISTEN descendants have adopted double-barrelled and hyphenated surnames such as LYSTEN-LISTON, LISTON-LYSTON, LYSTON-LISTEN, and LYSTEN-LYSTON.
Famous people with the name Listen
- Rashad Lyston, award-winning photojournalist and author.
- Christopher Lyston, professional American football player who played 11 seasons in the NFL.
- Jada Lyston, professional tennis player who has reached the Chang-Yin International Women's Singles Championship.
- Hana Lyston, model, musician, and actress who has appeared in campaigns for Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, and Victoria's Secret.
- Brandon Lyston, actor, producer, and writer who starred in the critically acclaimed film 'Reset'.
- Allison Lyston, a fashion designer from Chicago who has been featured in Vogue, Elle, and GQ.
- Alexandrine Lyston, professional pianist and composer who has released multiple albums and collaborated with some of the biggest names in jazz and classical music.
- Tierra Lyston, world-renowned chef who has cooked for presidents, kings, and queens.
- Hedda Lyston, award-winning documentary filmmaker who has been nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.
- Colin Lyston, entrepreneur and tech investor who has funded multiple successful tech startups.