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Johonston Family History

Johonston Surname Meaning

Historically, surnames evolved as a way to sort people into groups - by occupation, place of origin, clan affiliation, patronage, parentage, adoption, and even physical characteristics (like red hair). Many of the modern surnames in the dictionary can be traced back to Britain and Ireland.


Similar surnames: Johnston, Johnson, Johansson, Johanson, Johnstone, Holston, Houston

Search for a relative to learn more about your family history.

Hint: Try searching for a relative alive in 1940.

Where is the Johonston family from?

You can see how Johonston families moved over time by selecting different census years. The Johonston family name was found in the USA, Canada, and Scotland between 1880 and 1920. The most Johonston families were found in USA in 1880, and Canada in 1911. In 1881 there was 1 Johonston family living in Angus. This was about 50% of all the recorded Johonston's in Scotland. Angus and 1 other county had the highest population of Johonston families in 1881.
Use census records and voter lists to see where families with the Johonston surname lived. Within census records, you can often find information like name of household members, ages, birthplaces, residences, and occupations.

What Johonston family records will you find?

Census Records

There are 124 census records available for the last name Johonston. Like a window into their day-to-day life, Johonston census records can tell you where and how your ancestors worked, their level of education, veteran status, and more.

Search UK census records for Johonston

Passenger Lists

There are 5 immigration records available for the last name Johonston. Passenger lists are your ticket to knowing when your ancestors arrived in the UK, and how they made the journey - from the ship name to ports of arrival and departure.

View all Johonston immigration records

Draft Cards

There are 9 military records available for the last name Johonston. For the veterans among your Johonston ancestors, military collections provide insights into where and when they served, and even physical descriptions.

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What is the average Johonston lifespan?

An unusually short lifespan might indicate that your Johonston ancestors lived in harsh conditions. A short lifespan might also indicate health problems that were once prevalent in your family. The SSDI is a searchable database of more than 70 million names. You can find birthdates, death dates, addresses and more.

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