The name Aston finds its origins in Old English, derived from the words "æsc" meaning ash tree and "tun" meaning farm or settlement. It likely originated as a place name referring to a settlement near an ash grove or ash trees.

The earliest recorded use of Aston as a surname dates back to the Domesday Book of 1086, where it was listed as a place name in various counties across England. Over time, it transitioned from being a place name to a surname, and eventually also became used as a given name.

One of the earliest known individuals with the given name Aston was Aston Cokayn, born around 1290 in Staffordshire, England. He was a prominent landowner and knight during the reign of Edward II.

In the 16th century, Sir Aston Cokayne (c. 1508–1548) was an English politician who served as a Member of Parliament and was involved in the dissolution of the monasteries under King Henry VIII.

During the English Civil War in the 17th century, Sir Aston Cokayne (1608–1684) was a royalist soldier and later a Member of Parliament for Derbyshire. He fought for King Charles I against the Parliamentarians.

In the 19th century, Aston Waller (1784–1854) was a British politician and Member of Parliament for Sussex. He was also a noted agriculturist and writer on agricultural topics.

Another notable individual with the name was Sir Aston Webb (1849–1930), a British architect best known for designing the facades of Buckingham Palace and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

While not a common first name throughout history, Aston has been used occasionally, often within prominent English families and circles, likely due to its Old English roots and association with places in England.