Colston

Colston is a masculine name of English origin derived from the Old English elements 'col' (coal or charcoal) and 'tun' (settlement or town), meaning 'coal town' or 'from the coal settlement.' This surname-turned-first-name has historically been associated with various locations in England. The name has a strong, distinguished sound with its two syllables and hard consonants. While never extremely common as a first name, Colston has seen occasional use, particularly in communities with English heritage. The name carries a certain refinement and traditional masculinity. In recent years, the name has become controversial in the UK due to its association with Edward Colston, a 17th-century slave trader, leading some to reconsider its use.

Pronounced KOHL-stun.

As of October 2026, Colston ranked #1933 in US births in 2025 SSA, peaked at #1688 in 2010.