Preston
How to say it: PRES-tun · /ˈprɛstən/
From an English place name meaning 'priest's settlement', from 'preost' (priest) + 'tun' (settlement).
Preston was the 309th most popular boys’ name in the United States in 2025, given to 1,131 babies (Social Security Administration). Its busiest decade was the 2000s, its births are down about 54% in ten years, and it is projected to slip to #432 by 2030.
Updated · SSA 2025 data, published May 2026 · Insee 2025 data, published July 2026 · How we compute these figures
Key facts
| Rank among boys’ names, 2025 | #309 |
|---|---|
| Babies born in 2025 | 1,131 |
| Share of births | 1 in 2,910 |
| Peak decade | 2000s |
| Change over 10 years | −54% |
| Projected rank for 2030 (estimate) | #432 |
| In France, 2025 | #1,110 among boys’ names, 20 births |
Sources: Social Security Administration (SSA), Insee (France). How we compute these figures.
Its life, decade by decade
Preston hit its stride in the 2000s before stepping back. It continues well below that mark, and more easing is expected.
What goes with it
Preston moves in two crisp steps with roots as a place name. Carter feels akin, and Pres gives a snappy short form.
In the classroom
In a class of 25 children born in 2025, the chance that another child is called Preston is about 1 in 122.
Around the world
This spelling is used in English, French.
In France: #1,110 for boys in 2025.
Famous people named Preston
- Preston Sturges (1898–1959)American film director and screenwriter
- Preston Bailey (born 2000)American actor
- Preston Foster (1900–1970)American actor, vocalist
From Wikidata and Wikipedia
Keep exploring
About as popular as Preston
In the same lists
Find names you'll both love, starting with Preston
The one-minute style quiz.