About us
The Ralston Surname Project, including all spelling variants, seeks to identify the origins and relationships among Ralston families worldwide. While it was once widely assumed that all Ralstons shared a single Scottish origin, research has shown that several distinct and unrelated Ralston lineages developed in Scotland, England, and Ireland.
Many present-day Ralstons trace their ancestry to these regions. In particular, numerous Ralstons, Roulstons, Rolstons, and related variants in North America, Australia, and New Zealand appear to descend from families long established in the northern counties of Ireland prior to emigration. Research into the earlier origins of this group continues.
Although significant progress has been made, much remains to be discovered. Each new male participant who joins the project and completes Y-DNA testing—especially 111-marker or Big Y-700 tests—helps identify new connections and deepen our understanding of shared ancestry.
For more information, visit the Ralston Project Website.
Many present-day Ralstons trace their ancestry to these regions. In particular, numerous Ralstons, Roulstons, Rolstons, and related variants in North America, Australia, and New Zealand appear to descend from families long established in the northern counties of Ireland prior to emigration. Research into the earlier origins of this group continues.
Although significant progress has been made, much remains to be discovered. Each new male participant who joins the project and completes Y-DNA testing—especially 111-marker or Big Y-700 tests—helps identify new connections and deepen our understanding of shared ancestry.
For more information, visit the Ralston Project Website.