Discover people named John Johnston

The last name Johnston, also spelled as Johnson, is of English and Scottish origin, deriving from the given name John, which itself comes from the Hebrew name Yochanan, meaning "God is gracious." The surname first appeared in the medieval period, particularly in the regions of England and Scotland, where it was often used to denote "son of John." Historically, those who bore the name were likely to be associated with agrarian or clerical occupations, reflecting the common practice of naming children after their fathers. Variations of the surname can be found across different cultures and languages, including Johnston in Scotland, Jonsson in Scandinavia, and Johnson in the United States and England, each reflecting local linguistic adaptations. The name has also been associated with various notable figures throughout history, contributing to its prominence in both genealogical and cultural contexts.