Preston is a distinctive choice, ranked #721 in 2024. Your child is likely to be the only Preston in their class.
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UK Rank 2024
#721
US Rank #329
About the Name Preston
Preston has seen a notable decline in recent years, dropping 285 places in five years. It was most popular in 2006 at #149 — parents choosing it today are making a deliberately counter-trend decision. The name has been a consistent presence in UK records since 1996.
Preston is distinctive enough that your child will likely be the only one in both their class and their school — standing out on every register.
In the US it ranks even higher at #329, where it enjoys a particularly strong following.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the name Preston
Unlikely. With around 49 UK babies named Preston per year, your child will almost certainly be the only Preston in his class, and possibly the only one in the whole school.
Preston has been declining in UK popularity, dropping 285 places in the last five years. Its peak was #149 in 2006. Choosing it now means he is likely to be among the last of his generation with this name.
Preston is more popular in the US (#329) than in the UK (#721). Names with strong rankings in both countries tend to have broad cross-cultural appeal, working well for international families or those with ties to both nations.
Notable people named Preston include: Neal Preston — Neal Preston is an American photographer, based in Los Angeles, California.; Cynthia Preston — Cynthia Preston, sometimes credited as Cyndy Preston, is a Canadian actress.; Preston Vance — Cody Vance better known by his ring name Preston Vance, is an American professional wrestler..
Preston appears in the US top 500 at #329 in 2024 — moderately popular in America, though less so than in the UK.
49
UK babies named Preston (2024)
< 1
Expected classmates with this name (class of 28)
~0.0
In a school of 600
↓ 285 places
Rank change (last 5 years)
🏫 Who else is in the room?
In a typical UK class of 28, highlighted children share the name Preston
Likely around 1 other Preston in the class
UK Popularity (1996–2024)
Rank and birth count · ONS official data
US Popularity (2020–2024)
Rank · SSA official data
✨ Similar names to Preston
Names with a similar style — each with their own classroom story
Walter of Preston, also known as Walter Fitz Winemar, was sheriff of Northamptonshire in 1207 and 1208, and held some post in connection with the forests. He had custody of Fotheringay Castle in 1212 and apparently sided with the barons, as his lands were taken into the king's hands.
Cody Vance better known by his ring name Preston Vance, is an American professional wrestler. He is signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW), where he is a former member of The Dark Order and La Faccion Ingobernable.
Preston Smith Brooks was an American slaveholder, politician, and member of the U.S. House of Representatives from South Carolina, serving as a member of the Democratic Party from 1853 until his resignation in July 1856 and again from August 1856 until his death.