Kingston

/ˈkɪŋz.tən/

The name Kingston is an English surname-turned-given-name derived from the Old English words cyning (“king”) and tun (“settlement” or “estate”), literally meaning “king’s town.” The place name was common across England and gave rise to multiple towns,

US Rank

No. 178

Births

2,081

Peak Year

2021

most notably Kingston upon Thames in Surrey, a royal borough with documented history stretching back to the 10th century AD.

As a surname, Kingston appeared in English records from the 12th century onward, carried by families connected to royal estates or the towns bearing the name.

What the name Kingston means

The transition from surname to given name followed a broader 19th- and 20th-century trend of adopting toponymic surnames as first names, particularly in English-speaking countries.

The practice became especially prominent in the United States and Australia.

Kingston gained significant cultural attention in 2006 when musicians Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale named their son Kingston.

Celebrity influence accelerated awareness of the name considerably, pushing it into mainstream usage. That same decade, the name also benefited from rising interest in place-based and surname-style names for boys.

In the United States, Kingston entered the top 1,000 names for boys around 2006 and climbed steadily.

By 2024, it ranked in the top 200, reflecting durable appeal among parents seeking names that feel both strong and distinctive. The name carries associations with royalty, heritage, and urban style simultaneously.

Kingston is also the capital city of Jamaica, founded in 1692, which adds a Caribbean cultural dimension to the name. This connection resonates particularly with families of Caribbean heritage.

The name’s strong sound, clear meaning, and layered cultural associations contribute to its continued rise as a given name across diverse communities.