Surname Hairston - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'H'
Exploring Roots and History: Unveiling the Hairston Legacy through iGENEA DNA Test
A dive into the depths of history with an iGENEA DNA test unveiled the diverse lineage of my surname Hairston. Originating from Norman conquerors settling in England, then spreading through the British Isles and America, the test illustrated my ancestors' resilience, adaptability, and spirit.
G. Hairston
read moreHairston: What does the surname Hairston mean?
The surname "Hairston" is of Scottish origin and believed to have originated from the small village of Hairstanes in Dumfriesshire, Scotland. The name literally translates to "Grey Stone," possibly referring to a landmark or geographic feature within this region. Many Scots bearing this surname migrated to Ireland and North America, especially during the 17th and 18th centuries, which leads to its relatively wide distribution particularly in the United States today. The Hairston families were mostly known for being plantation owners in the southern U.S during the 18th and 19th centuries, making the name renowned in those regions. In the modern era, the name is associated with individuals involved in various professions such as literature, sports, and entertainment. Like many surnames, Hairston doesn't have a specific meaning pertaining to attributes or professions.
Order DNA origin analysisHairston: Where does the name Hairston come from?
The surname Hairston is of Scottish origin, specifically from the clan Hairstanes in the region of Dumfriesshire. In the late 17th and early 18th centuries, many Hairstons migrated to Northern Ireland due to religious and political conflicts. From there, a number of them further migrated to America, specifically to Virginia, during the 18th century colonization.
Today, the Hairston surname is fairly common in the United States, particularly in the states of Virginia, North Carolina, and Texas. There is also a notable population of Hairstons in Ireland. Noteworthy bearers of the Hairston name include American MLB player Jerry Hairston Jr., American actor Steve Hairston, and African American author Henry W. Hairston. However, its presence in the UK, particularly in Scotland where it originated, has dwindled over the years due to significant emigration.
Variations of the surname Hairston
The origin of the surname Hairston is considered to be Scottish. There are not many known variations of this particular surname due to its unique combination of letters and sounds. However, one possible spelling variant could be 'Haiston'.
The surname has its roots in "hairst" which in Scottish dialect means "harvest", hence some of the family lines could be linked to farming occupations. It is also believed that Hairston may be a geographic surname, connected to the village of Harleston located in the county of Suffolk, England, demonstrating links with British Isles.
Another possible variation could be Hairsten but it's less common. The surname Hirst and Hurston might have similar origins due to the phonetic similarity; however the relationship is not entirely clear. It's also worth noting that over time, with families emigrating to different countries, introducing their own phonetic and spelling changes, additional variants may exist.
Changing the surname at all is a fairly recent practice, mostly due to errors in recording or emigration, hence the lack of much variation for Hairston. It is important that specific genealogical research be undertaken to clarify the connections between these surnames.
Famous people with the name Hairston
- J.J. Hairston: A gospel musician, choir director, and leader of the youthful New York-based ensemble Youthful Praise.
- Happy Hairston: Harold "Happy" Hairston was an American professional basketball player who played for the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA.
- Nephew Tommy: Thomas "Nephew Tommy" Miles is an American comedian, actor, and producer known for his roles in Think Like a Man and Baggage Claim. He's known as "Nephew Tommy" on the popular "Steve Harvey Morning Show".
- Linda Hairston: An American journalist and TV broadcaster known for her work with CNN.
- Jerry Hairston Jr.: A retired American professional baseball utility player, and current sports analyst on radio and television broadcasts.
- Johnny Hairston: A former Major League Baseball catcher who played for six seasons.
- Sam Hairston: A former Negro league baseball and Major League Baseball player.
- Peter Hairston: An American planter, founder of the Hairston family and one of the wealthiest men of his time in the southern United States.
- Marguerite Happy Hairston: A retired professional American "Old School" rhythm and blues singer and songwriter.
- John Hairston Jr: An American contemporary artist, illustrator, and writer known for his work in science fiction and fantasy genres.