Surname Rolston - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'R'
Rolston: What does the surname Rolston mean?
The last name Rolston is of English origin and has a long and distinguished history. It is believed to have derived from the Old English personal name Roul. The name is found in an Anglo-Saxon charter of 1148, referring to Willelmus filius Roul. The Rolston surname comes from a place name in Sheffield, Yorkshire, England where people would adopt the name of the place they lived in as a surname. It is thought to be derived from the Old English rōd meaning ‘clearing’ or ‘wood’ and tūn meaning ‘enclosure, farmstead, settlement’.
Over time, some areas of Rolston have become more prominent than others and have taken on more significant roles within the history and culture of the region. Major Rolston regions include Sheffield, Yorkshire and Lancashire in the North of England and Reading, Berkshire in the South. During the Renaissance period, the Rolston family held many influential positions in both England and Scotland, including a notable role in the political world and important positions in business, the military and the church.
Overall, the Rolston name has been associated with prestige, power and business savvy throughout its centuries of existence, and is still in use today. The family’s many accomplishments and influence have left a legacy that still carries its values and traditions onward into the 21st century.
Order DNA origin analysisRolston: Where does the name Rolston come from?
The last name Rolston can be found today in many countries around the world. In the United States, the most commonly seen places are Pennsylvania, California, New York, Illinois, Texas, New Jersey and Kentucky. Most people with this last name originated from Scotland and Ireland. Intermarriage with other European nationalities over the years has caused it to spread even farther. It is also seen in England, South Africa and Canada.
The Rolston name derives from a toponym, meaning that it is derived from an existing location in the United Kingdom. Specifically, it comes from a place in Scotland called Rolstoun, which was an estate owned by the de Ros family. This family likely used the last name Rolston, not as a surname, but as their title. This is why the name is widespread today, and why it's seen in numerous countries around the world.
Variations of the surname Rolston
The surname Rolston is of ancient origin and appears to have its earliest roots in the Olde English language. Its spelling varies slightly from region to region as Ralston, Raulston, Roulstone, Rollston, Rowlston, and Rolleston. It is a habitational name, which was used to identify a person who lived at or near a particular place, in this case "Rolston".
The English version of the Rolston surname is derived from the Old English words "hraefn," meaning "raven," and "tun," meaning "farm"; thus, the root meaning of "Rolston" is "a farm of or near the ravens". Historically, the Rolston name has been linked to many counties and regions throughout the British Isles, including Cumberland, Westmorland, Yorkshire, and Lancashire.
Variant spellings and related surnames of the same origin are Ralston, Raulston, Rougland, Rolburg, Roleson, Rolle, Roloff, Roelofzen, Rowland, Roulstone, Rollison, Rollston, Rowlette and Rolleston. These variants and similar surnames were used interchangeably at various times and places, often due to pronunciation as people heard one name and spelled it differently due to their linguistic differences.
Rolston was also an occupational surname shared by several people who worked in the food industry, such as pastrycooks, bakers, and millers, while others practiced skilled trades like blacksmithing, weaving, and tailor work as journeymen. Variants of the Rolston surname were also linked to area-specific trades such as Lockton (locksmiths) and Poulston (keepers of pools).
In the United States, the Ralston, Ruelston, and Rolleston variants are more commonly seen than Rolston, as most of the Rolston immigrants to the US changed their spelling when they arrived. The name is still seen today in the form of Rolleston and Raulston, although it is mostly used as a given name.
Famous people with the name Rolston
- Scott Rolston: Actor best known for his role as Linda's husband in the Netflix show, 'GLOW'.
- Michael Rolston: Professional golfer who is a five-time PGA Tour winnner.
- Burr Rolston: Visionary creative director and commercial photographer.
- Kenneth Rolston: Microsoft designer and software designer.
- Bill Rolston: Sociology professor at the University of Ulster in Ireland, and the author of several books on politics.
- Alec Rolston: Actor who appeared in the television show 'Grimm'.
- Sarah Rolston: Musician and member of the alt-rock band, 'The Coathangers'.
- Dr. Robert Rolston: Award-winning surgeon who specialized in vascular surgery and transplantation.
- Shawn Rolston: Professional skateboarder and TV presenter.
- Kristen Rolston: Award-winning illustrator known for her illustrations in children's literature.