Find out how popular the first name Langston has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Langston by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Langston is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 95% of people named Langston being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 259 male babies and 9 female babies born with the name Langston.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 9 baby girls were named Langston in 2023, despite it being a predominantly male name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Langston

The name Langston is an English surname that originated as a locational name derived from the place name Langstone, which is found in various parts of England. The name Langstone itself is thought to be derived from the Old English words "lang" meaning long and "stan" meaning stone, likely referring to a long stone or rock formation in the area.

In terms of its use as a given name, Langston first gained prominence in the early 20th century, particularly among African Americans. One of the most notable individuals to bear this name was Langston Hughes, the renowned African American poet, social activist, and a leading figure of the Harlem Renaissance. Hughes, born in 1902 and died in 1967, is widely celebrated for his works that captured the essence of African American life and culture during a time of significant social and artistic upheaval.

Another notable figure named Langston was Langston Galloway, an American professional basketball player born in 1991. Galloway played for several teams in the NBA, including the New York Knicks, Sacramento Kings, and Detroit Pistons, and is known for his impressive three-point shooting abilities.

In the world of music, Langston Auld, born in 1949, was a Canadian jazz saxophonist and composer who gained recognition for his contributions to the West Coast jazz scene in the late 20th century.

Langston Parker, born in 1999, is a Canadian actor and filmmaker who rose to prominence for his roles in various television series and films, including the Netflix series "Locke & Key."

Langston Whitfield, born in 1975, is an American journalist and author who has worked for several major news organizations, including The Washington Post and The New York Times. He is known for his insightful reporting on race, politics, and social issues.

While the name Langston has gained popularity among various cultural and ethnic groups in recent times, its roots can be traced back to its English origins as a locational surname. The prominence of individuals like Langston Hughes has undoubtedly contributed to its widespread recognition and use as a given name, particularly within the African American community.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Langston was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Langston, please contact us.

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