Johnston Surname: Origin, Meaning & History

The surname Johnston (or Johnstone) is Scottish.  It is most commonly associated with the Scottish Borders and Clan Johnstone.  Over the centuries, this surname has spread across the world due to migration, conflict, and settlement.

But where did it all begin?  In this article, I will explore the origin, history and meaning of the Johnston surname as part of my series on Scottish surnames.

Origin and Meaning

The Johnston surname is a geographical surname, meaning it originates from a specific location.  It translates as “John’s town.”

In medieval Scotland, St. John’s Toun was the name for Perth, referring to the Church of St John the Baptist, which played a significant role in the city’s history.  In fact, this connection remains with St Johnstone Football Club, which was founded in 1884.  However, despite the similarity in name, the football club is not directly linked to Clan Johnstone.

In addition to Perth, the name Johnston appears in other locations such as Renfrewshire and Dumfriesshire.  The latter is particularly significant due to its association with the Border Reivers, the lawless clans who dominated the Anglo-Scottish Borders.

History of the Johnston Surname

The earliest recorded use of the surname comes from Dumfriesshire in the 12th century, where John de Johnstone held lands along the River Annan.

Later, in 1296, Sir John Johnston of Dumfries signed the Ragman Roll, along with many other Scottish landowners, pledging allegiance to King Edward I of England.

Over time, the Johnstone family gained influence.  In 1381, one of Sir John’s descendants was appointed Warden of the Western Marches.  Consequently, he was responsible for defending Scotland’s borderlands.

By the early 15th century, Adam Johnstone was recognised as Laird of Johnstone and fought at the Battle of Sark in 1448.  His son later supported King James II in his conflict with the Douglas family.  As a result, he was granted lands near Threave Castle, which previously belonged to the Douglases.

As a Border Reiver family they frequently engaged in cattle rustling, feuds, and battles with rival clans.  They were also locked in a long-standing feud with the Maxwell family, which was only brought to an end when King James VI intervened in 1623.

There is also a distinct Johnstone family in Strathspey, unrelated to the Border Johnstones.  In fact, this branch supported the Jacobite risings of 1715 and 1745, and their modern descendants now reside in America.

Clan Johnstone

The Annandale Johnstones were officially recognised as chiefs of Clan Johnstone.  In 1982, Major Percy Johnstone of Annandale was confirmed by the Lord Lyon King of Arms as Baron of the Earldom of Annandale and Hartfell, Lord of Johnstone, Hereditary Steward of Annandale, and Hereditary Keeper of Lochmaben Castle.

Clan Tartan

The tartan is recognised in different variations, but the most common pattern features a deep green base with bold blue stripes and intersecting black lines.  These colours represent the clan’s connection to the land, strength, and heritage.

Clan Motto and Crest

• Motto: Nunquam Non Paratus – “Never Unprepared”
• Crest: A winged spur, symbolising readiness, speed, and the clan’s warrior heritage

Variations of the Johnston Surname

The spellings Johnstone and Johnston are often used interchangeably. However, there are historical and regional differences:

• Johnstone (with an “e”) is more common in Scotland and is particularly associated with Clan Johnstone.
• Johnston (without the “e”) is more frequently found in Northern England and Ireland, where the name spread through migration.

There are other variations including Johnson, Jonston and Jonstone.

Famous People with the Johnston Surname

• Sir James Johnstone (1545–1608): Scottish clan chief and leader in the Border Reiver conflicts.
• Archibald Johnston, Lord Warriston (1611–1663): A key figure in the Scottish Covenanter movement, he helped draft the Scottish National Covenant of 1638.  He later served in Cromwell’s government but was executed in 1663 following the Restoration of Charles II.
• George Johnston (1764–1823): British naval officer and early Australian settler who played a role in the Rum Rebellion.
• Joseph Eggleston Johnston (1807–1891): American Civil War Confederate general.
• Derek Johnstone (b. 1953): Scottish footballer who played for Rangers and Scotland.
• Joe Johnston (b. 1950): American film director known for Jurassic Park III and Captain America: The First Avenger.
• William Henry Johnston (1879–1915): British Army officer from Edinburgh awarded the Victoria Cross for bravery at the First Battle of the Aisne (1914).

Migration and Expansion of the Johnston Surname

As the era of the Border Reivers ended, many Johnstones migrated or were forcibly moved to other regions. This contributed to the global spread of the surname:

• Ireland: Many Johnstons settled in Ulster during the Plantation of Ulster in the 17th century, where they became a prominent family in Northern Ireland.
• North America: Scottish and Irish emigrants carried the name to Canada and the United States, particularly during the 18th and 19th centuries.

• Australia & New Zealand: Many Johnstons and Johnstones were among the early settlers, including convicts transported to Australia.

Conclusion

I hope you will agree that the Johnston surname has Scottish roots closely tied to the history of the Scottish Borders and Perthshire. Stay tuned for next month’s article on another Scottish surname.

Are you a Johnston?