The name Preston has its origins in an Old English word "Preost" which means "priest". This name was derived from a surname which referred to the local parish priest or someone who lived near the priest's house or church. The earliest known recorded use of the name dates back to the late 12th century in England.

During the Middle Ages, the name Preston was commonly used in various regions of England, particularly in the northern counties. It was popularized as a given name among the clergy and those associated with the church. The name also appears in several historical records from this period, including parish registers and legal documents.

One of the earliest notable bearers of the name Preston was Sir Preston Banister, an English soldier and landowner who lived in the late 16th century (circa 1550-1629). Another prominent figure from history was Sir Preston Campbell, a Scottish military commander who fought in the Wars of the Three Kingdoms during the 17th century (1608-1668).

In the 18th century, Preston became more widespread as a first name among the general population. Some notable figures from this era include Preston Edes (1758-1842), an American merchant and politician who served as a member of the Massachusetts State Legislature, and Preston Brooks (1819-1857), an American politician and infamous for his assault on Senator Charles Sumner in the lead-up to the American Civil War.

During the 19th century, the name gained further popularity, particularly in the United States. One notable bearer was Preston King (1806-1865), an American politician and diplomat who served as a U.S. Senator from New York and later as the U.S. Minister to Italy. Another was Preston Sturges (1898-1959), an American writer, director, and comedian who was a prominent figure in the Golden Age of Hollywood.

As the name transitioned into the 20th century, it continued to be used across various English-speaking countries. One of the most famous bearers of the name was Preston Tucker (1903-1956), an American automobile entrepreneur and inventor who designed and built the innovative Tucker '48 sedan.