A Scottish and English surname, Preston comes from the Old English term ‘preost’ which means an enclosure or settlement. The spelling variations for Preston include Pesson and Prestone. In England the original Preston families were first in Lincolnshire. They later settled in Yorkshire, Cheshire, Lancashire and Staffordshire. In Scotland many Preston families live across the country. Most are concentrated in Angus, Lanarkshire and Midlothian. Within the United States the original Preston families lived in New York, Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, California, Texas, Kentucky and Washington. Famous: Robert Preston (actor and signer), Keith Preston (poet), John Smith Preston (Civil War Confederate General), Duncan Preston (English actor), Rock Preston (professional football player), Richard Preston (author), Simon Preston (English music composer) and Ray Preston (professional football player).