Harrington

Meaning and origin

The last name Harrington is of English origin, deriving from a place name. It comes from the Old English words "haering" (meaning "haring" or "herring") and "tun" (meaning "enclosure" or "settlement") combined, indicating that the name may have originally referred to a settlement where herrings were abundant. The earliest recorded instance of the name dates back to 1199, and over time, it has become fairly common throughout England and beyond.

The longer story

Derived from the Old English personal name Hereward, it ultimately traces its origins to pre-7th century England. As with most surnames, the etymology of Harrington reveals the occupation or geographical location that likely led to the adoption of this name.

Harrington, in particular, can be traced back to the Old English roots "hær" and "tūn", meaning "rock" or "stone" and "enclosure" or "settlement" respectively. This suggests that individuals who adopted this surname were either associated with or resided in a settlement or area known for its rocky terrain.

The geographical association of Harrington extends beyond England, as this surname has also been noted among Irish and Scottish populations. This can be attributed to historical events such as the migration of people between these regions or the influence of British colonialism.

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.