Ralston

Ralston is a surname of Scottish origin and a place name used in several countries. The name is associated with geographic locations in the United Kingdom and North America, most notably Ralston, Scotland, a town in Renfrewshire, and Ralston, Nebraska, a city in Douglas County that is part of the Omaha metropolitan area. Additional places or features bearing the name exist in other regions, often reflecting historical settlement patterns.

As a surname, Ralston has been borne by individuals in a range of professions, including politics, science, sports, and the arts. It is found in English-speaking countries and among communities with Scottish ancestry, where families with the surname have contributed to local and national histories.

In commerce and branding, the name appears in historic corporate contexts. The Ralston Purina Company was a major American producer of pet foods and agribusiness products. In the early 2000s, the company was acquired by Nestlé, and the brand continued under the name Nestlé Purina PetCare Company, the current umbrella for its pet-food and related products.

Ralston also appears in various fictional works and contemporary uses as a surname or place name, reflecting its enduring presence in English-language toponymy. For readers seeking a specific Ralston, clarifying the region or context helps distinguish among towns, people, and enterprises sharing the name.