Arrington

Meaning and origin

The last name Arrington is of English origin, derived from the combination of the Old English personal name Earning or Ælpheard with the suffix -ing, meaning "son of" or "descendant of." This surname, first found in the county of Devonshire, signifies a person belonging to or associated with the settlement of Earning's people, emphasizing a familial connection and reflecting the practice of patronymic naming during medieval times. Over the centuries, the spelling and pronunciation of the name have evolved, resulting in variations such as Errington and Harrington, but the core etymology remains rooted in English genealogy.

The longer story

It is a locational surname, derived from the name of a place in Northumberland, England called Arrington. This place name itself comes from the Old English words "øre" meaning "shallow" and "tūn" meaning "enclosure" or "settlement."

Other states with a significant number of Arringtons include Georgia, California, North Carolina, and Tennessee.

Historically, the Arrington name was first recorded in documents in the 12th century, indicating its long-standing presence. Over time, variations of the name have appeared, including Errington and Arrintone.

Surname origins are rarely settled: one spelling can have several sources, and families often took a name for reasons nobody wrote down. Check it against the sources below before you rely on it.