A surname originating in Scotland. Some of the Johnstons moved to Ireland, and later to the United States. The meaning of the name is "John's town." The family
crest is a winged
spur and the family motto is "Nunquam Non Paratis" (Never Unprepared). Related to the surnames
Johnstone and Johnson.
Famous bearers of this last name include Confederate generals Albert Sidney Johnston and
Joesph Eggleston Johnston, Disney animator Ollie Johnston, and musician
Daniel Johnston as well as several atheletes and politicians from both the US and the UK.