Create a free account to navigate family trees, view ancestors, and discover connections.

First name (Optional)

Middle name (Optional)

Last name* (Required)

Advanced Search Options

Exact match

(Show only records that exactly match the information entered.)

Birth year (Optional)

Death year (Optional)

Birth location (Optional)

Death location (Optional)

Houston Family Genealogy & History

Discover the Global Legacy of the Houston Surname

The Houston surname is of Scottish origin, tracing back to a place called Houston in Renfrewshire, located in the west central Lowlands of Scotland. The name Houston originally meant "the settlement belonging to Hugh" in Old English, reflecting its deep historical roots. Over time, the Houston name became associated with various professions and social standings, contributing to its widespread use in genealogical records.

During the early centuries, the Houston surname expanded significantly across Scotland, particularly noted in the 14th and 15th centuries. This period marked a notable increase in recorded appearances of the Houston family, establishing key familial branches in Scotland. As these branches grew, many members of the Houston family emigrated, bringing the name to new regions, particularly the United States, during the 17th and 18th centuries. This migration laid the groundwork for the widespread Houston family tree seen today.

YourRoots data corroborates the early Scottish origins of the Houston surname and highlights its growth over the centuries. The dataset reveals that the Houston family tree began to take shape in the 13th century, with significant consolidation occurring by the 16th century. This intricate web of connections facilitated the family's migration patterns and helped establish a strong presence in the United States by the 18th century, supporting the expansion narrative found in historical records.

For those interested in Houston genealogy, YourRoots provides a wealth of records, particularly from the 21st century, allowing modern-day descendants to explore their lineage. By examining these Houston records, individuals can uncover their family's journey from its Scottish origins to its global presence, enriching their understanding of the Houston family tree.

← START A NEW SEARCH

Find the Houston Family Tree

Search more Houston trees & genealogy records

Records

Search more trees & records for
Houston for free

SIGNUP

Tracing Your Houston Family Lineage

Origin of the Houston Family: Where does the Houston surname come from?

The Houston surname has its earliest known appearance in Scotland, marking the beginnings of this family's genealogy. This connection to Scotland establishes a foundation for tracing familial roots, suggesting that many family trees began to take shape in this region during the early part of the 13th century. Such origins provide a rich backdrop for understanding the early branches of the Houston family lineage.

Genealogy and Early Family History of Houston

Throughout the following centuries, the Houston family saw significant growth primarily within Scotland, especially in the 14th and 15th centuries, where notable increases in record appearances were noted. The database indicates that many Houston family lines began to emerge and expand during these times, laying the groundwork for future generations. Key regions within Scotland became home to various branches of the Houston family, fostering connections that would influence their genealogical paths.

As the centuries progressed, the Houston families continued to evolve, building upon their established roots and creating new branches across the landscape of Scotland. The 16th century saw a remarkable consolidation of family lines, which would later facilitate migration and expansion beyond Scotland's borders. This intricate web of familial connections established the foundation for the Houston name to flourish in the years to come.

Tracing the Houston Family Tree Through the Centuries

The expansion of the Houston surname became notably pronounced in the 17th century, particularly as families began migrating to regions such as the United States. By the 18th century, the Houston name was firmly established across various states, illustrating a significant shift in the family tree's geography. This transition marked the beginning of a new chapter for the Houston family, as they adapted to life in a new land while maintaining their historical roots.

In the 19th century, the Houston surname continued to proliferate, with family branches developing across North America and even extending to other parts of the world. This global spread was indicative of the family's resilience and adaptability through changing times and circumstances. The 20th century saw a continued presence of the Houston name in the United States, showcasing the enduring legacy of the family and its deep-rooted connections to its ancestral origins.

Where to Find Houston Genealogy Records Today

In modern times, the Houston surname remains prevalent, with significant records available in the 21st century, particularly in the United States. Families with the Houston name can explore their genealogy through the extensive records found in the YourRoots database, uncovering connections to their past. By delving into these resources, individuals can trace their own family trees and discover the rich history that the Houston surname carries across generations and continents.

Famous People with Houston (and Their Family Tree)

Whitney Houston

Whitney Elizabeth Houston, known as "the Voice," was an iconic American singer and actress renowned for her powerful vocal delivery and live performances. She achieved immense success with albums like "Whitney Houston" and "Whitney," both topping the Billboard 200, and the Grammy-winning "The Bodyguard" soundtrack. With over 220 million records sold worldwide, Houston remains one of the best-selling music artists ever. She scored 11 Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles, including "I Will Always Love You," and is the only artist with seven consecutive singles topping the chart.

Born on August 9, 1963, in Newark, New Jersey, to Cissy and John Russell Houston Jr., Whitney had a rich musical lineage. Her mother, Cissy Houston, was a Grammy-winning gospel singer, and her cousins included singers Dionne and Dee Dee Warwick. Notably, her paternal great-great-grandfather, Jeremiah Burke Sanderson, was an abolitionist advocating for civil rights. The Houston family's heritage also includes Dutch and Native American ancestry.

Cissy Houston

Cissy Houston, born Emily Drinkard, was a celebrated American soul and gospel singer, known for her powerful voice and significant contributions to music. She gained fame as a member of the Sweet Inspirations, a girl group she founded, and later as a solo artist with hits like "I'll Be There" and "Think It Over." Houston's career was marked by two Grammy Awards in the Traditional Gospel Album category and recognition from the Rhythm and Blues Foundation. She also played a pivotal role in the careers of her niece Dionne Warwick and daughter Whitney Houston, both acclaimed singers.

Born in Newark, New Jersey, Cissy Houston was the youngest of eight children to Delia Mae McCaskill and Nicholas Drinkard. Her family had roots in Blakely, Georgia, where her grandfather was a Black landowner, an unusual achievement for the time. The family relocated to Newark during the Great Migration. Houston claimed Dutch and Native American descent through her grandparents. Raised in a religious household, she began singing in church, forming the Drinkard Singers with her siblings. Despite early family tragedies, including the deaths of her mother and father, Houston's family values and religious upbringing profoundly shaped her life and career.

Sam Houston

Sam Houston was a prominent American general and statesman, renowned for his key role in the Texas Revolution. He served as the first and third president of the Republic of Texas and was the only person elected as governor of two different U.S. states: Tennessee and Texas. Houston also represented Texas in the U.S. Senate and played a significant role in the annexation of Texas by the United States. Known for his unionist stance, he opposed secession and was forced out of office in 1861. Houston is honored as the eponym of Houston, Texas, a major U.S. city.

Born in Rockbridge County, Virginia, Sam Houston was the son of Samuel Houston and Elizabeth Paxton. His family descended from Scottish and Irish immigrants, including his great-grandfather John Houston. The Houstons settled in Colonial America in the 1730s, and Samuel Houston's father was part of the Virginian militia during the American Revolutionary War. After his father's death in 1806, the family moved to Tennessee, where his mother, Elizabeth, managed their new home and farm.

Marques Houston

Marques Barrett Houston is a renowned American R&B singer, songwriter, dancer, and actor, born on August 4, 1981, in Los Angeles. Houston gained fame as a member of the R&B group Immature, later known as IMx, with hits from albums like "Introducing IMx." He achieved further recognition as Roger Evans in the popular sitcom "Sister, Sister" and launched a successful solo career with albums like "MH," "Naked," and "Veteran," the latter debuting at number one on Billboard's Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums. Houston continues to leave a mark in music and acting, with notable roles and collaborations.

Marques Houston was born to Michael and Carolyn Houston in Los Angeles, California. His mother, Carolyn, passed away from lymphoma in 1997.

Allan Houston

Allan Wade Houston, born April 20, 1971, is a renowned former professional basketball player who left an indelible mark on the NBA. As a shooting guard, Houston played from 1993 to 2005, primarily with the New York Knicks, and was instrumental in their 1999 NBA Finals run. A two-time NBA All-Star, he was celebrated for his three-point shooting prowess. Houston's illustrious career also includes a gold medal from the 2000 Summer Olympics. Post-retirement, he has continued his association with the Knicks as a special assistant to the general manager and general manager of their G League team, the Westchester Knicks.

Allan Houston's early life was shaped in Louisville, Kentucky, where he excelled at Ballard High School. He played college basketball at the University of Tennessee under the guidance of his father, Wade Houston, who was also his coach.

Houston Surname Meaning, Origin, and History

The surname "Houston" has its origins in Scotland, specifically from the place called Houston in Renfrewshire, located in the west central Lowlands. In Old English, the name means "the settlement belonging to Hugh."

Where to Find Genealogy Records for Houston

We’ve analyzed YourRoots tree and records data to uncover where genealogists are finding key sources such as census, birth certificates, marriage records, and obituaries for the Houston family. Explore our most popular genealogy record sources for the Houston surname to learn more.