Rolston (surname)

Rolston is a surname of English and Scottish origin. It is a locational name, derived from places called "Rowlston" or "Rolston," found in various parts of England, primarily Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. These place names likely originate from the Old English personal name "Hrolf" (meaning "famous wolf") combined with "tun," meaning "enclosure," "farmstead," or "settlement." Therefore, Rolston literally means "Hrolf's farm" or "Hrolf's settlement."

The surname is documented in England from at least the 13th century. Over time, the spelling of the surname may have varied slightly.

People with the surname Rolston may be found in various parts of the English-speaking world, including the United Kingdom, North America, and Australia, owing to migration patterns. The distribution and frequency of the name can be analyzed using genealogical and demographic resources.