NameCensus.

UK surname

Yorston

A locational surname derived from a place name in Scotland.

In the 1881 census there were 274 people recorded with the Yorston surname, ranking it #10,362 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 301, ranked #14,696, down from #10,362 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Kirkwall and St.Ola, Evie and Rendall and London parishes. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include South Tyneside, Sunderland and Stromness, Sandwick and Stenness.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Yorston is 343 in 1901. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 9.9%.

1881 census count

274

Ranked #10,362

Modern count

301

2016, ranked #14,696

Peak year

1901

343 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Yorston had 274 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #10,362 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 301 in 2016, ranked #14,696.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 343 in 1901.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Rural Amenity.

Yorston surname distribution map

The map shows where the Yorston surname is concentrated in each census or modern distribution year. Darker areas mean a stronger local concentration.

Distribution map

Yorston surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Yorston over time

The table below tracks recorded surname counts and rank from the 19th-century census years through the modern adult-register period.

Year Period Count Rank
1851 historical 253 #8,709
1861 historical 224 #10,882
1881 historical 274 #10,362
1891 historical 293 #11,319
1901 historical 343 #10,583
1911 historical 126 #19,831
1997 modern 274 #14,374
1998 modern 309 #13,612
1999 modern 309 #13,697
2000 modern 306 #13,742
2001 modern 306 #13,565
2002 modern 314 #13,589
2003 modern 298 #13,886
2004 modern 298 #13,937
2005 modern 301 #13,812
2006 modern 296 #14,030
2007 modern 305 #13,891
2008 modern 300 #14,135
2009 modern 301 #14,386
2010 modern 306 #14,529
2011 modern 301 #14,563
2012 modern 289 #14,875
2013 modern 287 #15,224
2014 modern 298 #14,911
2015 modern 301 #14,727
2016 modern 301 #14,696

Geography

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Where Yorstons are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Kirkwall and St.Ola, Evie and Rendall, London parishes, Gateshead and Govan Combination. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to South Tyneside, Sunderland, Stromness, Sandwick and Stenness and Amber Valley. Treat these as concentration signals, not proof that every family line began there.

Some modern areas include a three-digit suffix, such as Leeds 110. The suffix is a small-area code, so it stays in the table while the prose uses the plain place name.

Top historical parishes

Rank Parish Area
1 Kirkwall and St.Ola Orkney
2 Evie and Rendall Orkney
3 London parishes London 3
4 Gateshead Durham
5 Govan Combination Lanark

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 South Tyneside 002 South Tyneside
2 Sunderland 009 Sunderland
3 Stromness, Sandwick and Stenness Orkney Islands
4 Amber Valley 012 Amber Valley
5 Sunderland 010 Sunderland

Forenames

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First names often paired with Yorston

These lists show first names that appear often with the Yorston surname in historical and recent records.

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Yorston

Modern surname records can be compared with neighbourhood classifications. For Yorston, this points to the kinds of places where the surname is most concentrated today.

These neighbourhood labels describe areas, not individual people. They are useful because surnames often cluster through family history, migration, housing patterns and local work. A surname can be strongest in one type of neighbourhood even when people with that name live across the country.

The UK classification gives the national picture. The London classification is more specific to the capital, where housing, age profile, tenure and population mix can look quite different from the rest of the UK.

UK neighbourhood type

UK Output Area Classification

Supergroup

Suburbanites and Peri-Urbanities

Group

Rural Amenity

Nationally, the Yorston surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Rural Amenity, within Suburbanites and Peri-Urbanities. This does not mean every Yorston household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.

Read profile summary

Group profile

This Group comprises older parents or retirees, with no resident dependent children, and with the lowest residential densities in this Supergroup. Predominantly UK-born, residents typically live in detached houses, although others do live in semi-detached and terraced properties. The level of multiple car ownership is the highest in this Supergroup. Most houses are owner occupied although social renting is also present. Many concentrations occur in high amenity rural locations, such as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Wider pattern

Pervasive throughout the UK, members of this Supergroup typically own (or are buying) their detached, semi-detached or terraced homes. They are also typically educated to A Level/Highers or degree level and work in skilled or professional occupations. Typically born in the UK, some families have children, although the median adult age is above 45 and some property has become under-occupied after children have left home. This Supergroup is pervasive not only in suburban locations, but also in neighbourhoods at or beyond the edge of cities that adjoin rural parts of the country.

London neighbourhood type

London Output Area Classification

Supergroup

Older Residents in Owner-Occupied Suburbs

Group

London Fringe

Within London, Yorston is most associated with areas classed as London Fringe, part of Older Residents in Owner-Occupied Suburbs. This gives the surname a London-specific profile rather than forcing the capital into the same pattern as the rest of the country.

Read profile summary

Group profile

Predominantly located in neighbourhoods on the outskirts of Greater London, residents of these neighbourhoods typically have their highest qualifications below degree (Level 4) level, with those still in work engaged in skilled trades and occupations in distribution, hotels and restaurants. There is low ethnic diversity in these neighbourhoods and high levels of Christian religious affiliation. Detached or terraced houses predominate, often with spare rooms.

Wider London pattern

The age distribution of these neighbourhoods is skewed towards the middle-aged and old, although few residents live alone or in communal establishments and numbers of dependent children are around average. Owner occupation is the norm, as is residence in detached or semi-detached houses. Residential densities are low and many households have spare rooms. Most residents were born in the UK and, aside from some identifying as members of Chinese or Indian ethnicities, identify as White. Mixed ethnicity households are rare. Incidence of married couples is higher than average and few individuals have never been married. A large proportion of individuals still in employment work in administrative and secretarial occupations, or in the construction industry. Few residents are students, and many households own more than one car.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Yorston is most concentrated in decile 5 for access to healthy assets and hazards. This places the surname near the middle of the scale.

Lower deciles point towards weaker access to healthy assets or stronger exposure to local hazards. Higher deciles point towards stronger access and fewer hazards.

5
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Yorston falls in decile 10 for neighbourhood deprivation. This puts the surname towards the less deprived end of the index.

Decile 1 represents the more deprived end of the scale. Decile 10 represents the less deprived end.

10
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Yorston is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of Over 70 mbit/s.

The scale below places that band in context, from slower local download bands through to faster ones.

10
Slower band Faster band

Area snapshot

Ethnic group estimate

Most common ethnic group estimate
White - British

This describes the area pattern most associated with Yorston, not the ethnicity of every person with the surname.

Meaning and origin of Yorston

The surname Yorston has its origins in Scotland, specifically within the northern isles of Orkney and Shetland. The name dates back to medieval times, originating from variations of place names and old Norse influences prevalent in these regions. Orkney and Shetland were heavily influenced by Norse settlers, who arrived around the 8th to 9th centuries, and this influence is evident in the place names and surnames in the area. The name Yorston is believed to be derived from the Old Norse personal name "Jorulf" combined with "tún," meaning a farm or settlement.

Yorston's earliest documented instances can be traced back to medieval records. One notable reference is found in the late 13th century, where a William de Yorston appears in the records of Caithness, indicating the name’s usage in mainland Scotland as well. The records from Orkney provide account of one Magnus Yorston, dated around 1350, who was involved in local administration, highlighting the presence of the name in key historical documents.

Several other historical figures provide rich context for the surname. For instance, George Yorston, born in 1587 and deceased in 1652, was a notable merchant in Kirkwall, Orkney. He contributed significantly to the local economy and civic developments during his lifetime. James Yorston, born in 1701 and deceased in 1765, was a prominent figure in Shetland known for his extensive work in maritime trade, reflecting the seafaring nature of the region.

Robert Yorston, born in 1794 and deceased in 1861, was a notable farmer and landowner in Orkney during the 19th century, whose agricultural practices were well-regarded. His contributions to local farming techniques were documented in agricultural journals of the time. Another significant individual is Catherine Yorston, born in 1843 and deceased in 1910, renowned for her extensive work in preserving Orkney's local folklore and traditions. Her collections of folk tales and songs were published posthumously, providing valuable insights into the cultural heritage of the islands.

The Yorston surname tells a rich history of Norse influence, maritime trade, and local culture in northern Scotland, particularly within Orkney and Shetland. Through various historical figures, the name captures a wide spectrum of contributions to local society over several centuries.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Yorston families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Yorston surname. Use the location tables for concentration, then the name and occupation tables for the people behind the surname.

Top counties

Total is the county count. Frequency and index adjust for local population size, so they are better concentration signals. Orkney leads with 78 Yorstons recorded in 1881 and an index of 263.34x.

County Total Index
Orkney 78 263.34x
Lanarkshire 25 2.87x
Lancashire 23 0.72x
Northumberland 22 5.49x
East Lothian 20 56.09x
Midlothian 19 5.27x
Shetland 14 50.91x
Durham 13 1.62x
Middlesex 13 0.48x
Essex 12 2.26x
Surrey 12 0.91x
Berwickshire 9 27.61x
Renfrewshire 8 3.83x
Aberdeenshire 1 0.40x
Ayrshire 1 0.50x
Glamorgan 1 0.21x
Kent 1 0.11x
Lincolnshire 1 0.23x
Ross-shire 1 1.35x
Royal Navy 1 3.12x
Stirlingshire 1 1.01x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Evie Rendall in Orkney leads with 37 Yorstons recorded in 1881 and an index of 2960.00x.

Place Total Index
Evie Rendall 37 2960.00x
Govan 16 7.43x
Kirkwall St Ola 16 360.36x
Haddington 12 228.14x
Bressay 11 2558.14x
Toxteth Park 11 10.17x
Edinburgh St Cuthberts 10 6.89x
Walthamstow 10 52.27x
Barony 9 4.08x
North Shields 8 100.13x
Rousay Egilshay 8 776.70x
Lambeth 7 2.98x
Westoe 7 15.42x
Cross Burness N 6 387.10x
Coldingham 5 170.65x
Liberton 5 89.77x
Newton On The Moor 5 2380.95x
Paddington London 5 5.05x
Prestonkirk 5 280.90x
Salford 5 5.32x
Birsay Harray 4 186.05x
Camberwell 4 2.33x
Cathcart 4 35.43x
Edrom 4 285.71x
Gateshead 4 6.67x
Mile End Old Town 4 9.41x
Kirkdale 3 5.58x
Newcastle On Tyne St 3 14.45x
Stretford 3 17.06x
Tynemouth 3 13.99x
West Greenock 3 8.01x
Bressay Burra Quarff 2 166.67x
Dunbar 2 40.00x
Newbattle 2 64.94x
Newcastle On Tyne All Sts 2 8.36x
Orphir 2 212.77x
Stromness 2 90.09x
Westminster St John 2 6.10x
Aberdeen Old Machar 1 1.92x
Alnwick 1 14.51x
Bishopwearmouth 1 1.45x
Canterbury St Mary 1 16.23x
Cardiff St Mary 1 3.87x
Chigwell 1 19.92x
Dirleton 1 71.43x
Duddingston 1 13.81x
Edinburgh St Marys 1 14.27x
Firth Stenness 1 78.74x
Great Grimsby 1 3.66x
Greencroft 1 68.03x
Holm 1 101.01x
Islington London 1 0.38x
Leigh 1 54.05x
Lerwick Gulberwick 1 23.47x
Pendleton In Salford 1 2.63x
Port Glasgow 1 9.91x
Sandwick 1 90.09x
Southwark St Saviour 1 7.23x
St Bride London 1 64.10x
St Quivox 1 14.68x
Stornoway 1 10.37x
Strathblane 1 80.65x

Top female names

These are the female first names most often recorded with the Yorston surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.

Name Count
Mary 5
Ellen 4
Isabella 4
Jane 4
Sarah 3
Ada 2
Alice 2
Emma 2
Henrietta 2
Rebecca 2
Ann 1
Catherine 1
Dorothy 1
Elisabeth 1
Elizabeth 1
Emily 1
Emmeline 1
Florence 1
Georgeanna 1
Harriet 1
Janet 1
Julia 1
Kay 1
Louie 1
Louisa 1
Maggie 1
Maria 1
May 1
Minnie 1
Sara 1
Susan 1

Top male names

These are the male first names most often recorded with the Yorston surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.

Name Count
James 7
William 7
George 6
Robert 5
Charles 3
Gilbert 3
Thomas 3
Arthur 2
Edward 1
Edwin 1
Ernest 1
Geo. 1
Hay 1
Henry 1
John 1
Peter 1
Robt. 1
Theodore 1
Tom 1

FAQ

Yorston surname: questions and answers

How common was the Yorston surname in 1881?

In 1881, 274 people were recorded with the Yorston surname. That placed it at #10,362 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Yorston surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 301 in 2016. That gives Yorston a modern rank of #14,696.

What does the Yorston surname mean?

A locational surname derived from a place name in Scotland.

What does the Yorston map show?

The map shows local surname concentration for the selected year. Darker areas have a stronger concentration of Yorston bearers relative to the surrounding population.

What records is this surname page based on?

The historical counts come from census surname records. The modern counts and neighbourhood summaries come from later surname distribution records. Counts are recorded bearers in those records, not a live estimate of everyone with the name today.