The name Alston originates from the Old English language, with roots tracing back to the Anglo-Saxon period in Britain. It derives from the place name "Alstan's tun," which translates to "Alstan's town" or "Alstan's settlement." The name Alstan itself is a combination of the Old English elements "ald" meaning "old" and "stan" meaning "stone" or "rock."

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Alston can be found in the Domesday Book, a historic manuscript compiled in 1086 by order of William the Conqueror. This document mentions several locations with the name Alston or variations like Alestun and Alestane, indicating the presence of settlements associated with the name.

In the 12th century, the name Alston was documented in the form of a surname in the Pipe Rolls of Northumberland, a record of tax payments made to the English Crown. This suggests that the name had already gained widespread usage as a personal name by that time.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Alston. One of the earliest recorded was Sir Thomas Alston (c. 1345-1420), an English knight and landowner who fought in the Hundred Years' War. Another prominent figure was Edward Alston (1598-1669), an English Puritan minister and author who served as the President of Harvard College from 1637 to 1638.

In the 18th century, Joseph Alston (1779-1816) was a prominent American politician who served as the 57th Governor of South Carolina. His contemporary, Willis Alston (1769-1837), was a member of the United States House of Representatives from North Carolina.

In the 19th century, Edward Alston (1828-1895) was a British-born Australian politician who served as the Premier of Victoria from 1883 to 1886. He played a significant role in the Federation of Australia and was a strong advocate for democratic reforms.

While the name Alston has been more commonly used as a surname in recent times, its origins as a given name can be traced back to the early medieval period in England, reflecting the rich history and linguistic roots of the Anglo-Saxon era.