Livingstone

Livingstone is a surname of Scottish origin and a toponym used in several countries. The name is most closely associated with David Livingstone (1813–1873), a Scottish physician, missionary and explorer whose travels in Africa helped to popularize the figure in the 19th century. The surname itself is derived from a Scottish place name and has spread globally through migration and historical naming practices.

Geographically, the best-known use of the name is Livingstone, Zambia, a city on the Zambezi River near Victoria Falls. Livingstone serves as a regional commercial and transport hub and is a common base for visitors exploring the falls and surrounding wildlife areas. The name also appears in other localities and administrative divisions in countries with ties to Scottish settlement or to David Livingstone’s legacy.

As a surname, Livingstone has been borne by various individuals who contributed to politics, science, culture and public life, in addition to the historical figure of David Livingstone. In many cases, institutions, streets and organizations bearing the name honor or reference people with the surname, rather than a single place.

In summary, Livingstone denotes a Scottish-origin surname and place name that has become part of global geography and history. It is most prominently linked to David Livingstone and to the city of Livingstone in Zambia, while also appearing in other places and as a family name across cultures. See also Livingston, a related toponym and surname with a closely connected origin.