Charlston History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Scotland

Etymology of Charlston

What does the name Charlston mean?

The distinguished name Charlston comes ultimately from the Germanic personal name Carl, which was Latinized as 'Carolus'. Early forms of the name in Britain predate the Norman invasion, but some bearers of this name no doubt come from Norman stock. The suffix 'son' or 'ston' indicate a patronymic surname created from the name of a father or male relative. In Europe the name's popularity was in no small part due to the fame of Emperor Charlemagne (742-814) or 'Carolus Magnus' in Latin.

Early Origins of the Charlston family

The surname Charlston was first found in Suffolk where the first record of the name was listed in 1208 when Carolus held estates in that shire. 1

While many of the family were English, in Scotland the name was numerous in Caithness. "Aychin Carlichsoun was witness to an obligation by the earl of Ross in 1439, and in 1494 there is recorded the obit. 'Duncan Charlissoun apud Lochdochord'. The 1439 form has been influenced by the Gaelic form of the name Charles. " 2

There are numerous places named Charleston or Charlestown worldwide, many of which were in honour of King Charles II (1630-1685.)

Early History of the Charlston family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Charlston research. Another 120 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1253 and 1550 are included under the topic Early Charlston History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Charlston Spelling Variations

The first dictionaries that appeared in the last few hundred years did much to standardize the English language. Before that time, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. The language was changing, incorporating pieces of other languages, and the spelling of names changed with it. Charlston has been spelled many different ways, including Charleston, Charleson, Charlson, Cherlson, Churlson and many more.

Early Notables of the Charlston family

More information is included under the topic Early Charlston Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Charlston migration to Canada +

Thousands of English families in this era began to emigrate the New World in search of land and freedom from religious and political persecution. Although the passage was expensive and the ships were dark, crowded, and unsafe, those who made the voyage safely were rewarded with opportunities unavailable to them in their homeland. Research into passenger and immigration lists has revealed some of the very first Charlstons to arrive in North America:

Charlston Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

Elizabeth Charlston, age 17 who was recorded in the census of 1871 in Ontario, Canada

Sources +

Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland Their Origin, Meaning and History. New York: New York Public Library, 1946. Print. (ISBN 0-87104-172-3)