This page needs Javascript enabled in order to work properly. Click here for instructions on how to enable it in your browser.
Surname Header Image
Get access to Pelston family records.Start a 14-Day Free Trial

Pelston Family History

Pelston 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: Elston, Gelston, Pelton, Polston, Easton, Alston, Colston, Elton

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

Hint: Try searching for a relative alive in 1940.

Where is the Pelston family from?

You can see how Pelston families moved over time by selecting different census years. The Pelston family name was found in the USA, the UK, and Canada between 1891 and 1920. The most Pelston families were found in USA in 1920. In 1891 there was 1 Pelston family living in Essex. This was 100% of all the recorded Pelston's in United Kingdom. Essex had the highest population of Pelston families in 1891.
Use census records and voter lists to see where families with the Pelston surname lived. Within census records, you can often find information like name of household members, ages, birthplaces, residences, and occupations.
Mapbox
© Mapbox © OpenStreetMap Improve this map

What did your Pelston ancestors do for a living?

In 1940, Farmer was the top reported job for people in the USA named Pelston. 63% of Pelston men worked as a Farmer.

View Census Data for Pelston | Data not to scale

*We display top occupations by gender to maintain their historical accuracy during times when men and women often performed different jobs.

United States shown, England data unavailable

Top Male Occupations In 1940

  • Farmer
    63%
  • Laborer
    19%
  • Farm Laborer
    19%

What Pelston family records will you find?

Census Records

There are 321 census records available for the last name Pelston. Like a window into their day-to-day life, Pelston census records can tell you where and how your ancestors worked, their level of education, veteran status, and more.

Search UK census records for Pelston

Passenger Lists

There are 21 immigration records available for the last name Pelston. 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 Pelston immigration records

Draft Cards

There are 46 military records available for the last name Pelston. For the veterans among your Pelston ancestors, military collections provide insights into where and when they served, and even physical descriptions.

View all Pelston military records

You've only scratched the surface of Pelston family history

Discover More

What is the average Pelston lifespan?

Between 1966 and 2003, in the United States, Pelston life expectancy was at its lowest point in 1999, and highest in 1993. The average life expectancy for Pelston in 1966 was 73, and 80 in 2003.

View Social Security Death Index (SSDI) for Pelston

An unusually short lifespan might indicate that your Pelston 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.

Discover the unique achievements of ancestors in the Pelston family tree

Explore Your Tree
Search for another surname
Enter last name/surname
Start a 14-Day Free Trial