NomOrigine Background

Last Name Erskin

What is the origin of the last name Erskin?

The surname Erskine is of Scottish origin and is derived from various places in Scotland named Erskine. The oldest recorded spelling of the name dates back to 1093 AD as Earscin in the charters of Holyrood Abbey, Midlothian, Scotland. The name is associated with a family who were barons of Dun, later Earls of Mar, and Dukes of Buchan. They originated from Erskine, Renfrewshire, Scotland. The name is also associated with the Clan Don and the Montgomerie family through marriage alliances. It is worth noting that surnames were generally taken from the name of a place where a person lived or worked, or was born, so it's likely that early bearers of this name lived in one of the places named Erskine in Scotland. The name spread to England and other countries as a result of Scottish immigration during the Middle Ages and later periods of history.

Unlock and discover the hidden secrets of the surname Erskin

Unlock the Secrets of Your Surname Now

For only 3.95 $, you get:

  • Full access for 7 days
  • Unlimited access to all name and surname profiles
  • High-quality Origin Certificate
  • Download: Keep a precious memory with your origins downloadable in PDF format.
  • Unlimited search
  • Ad-Free: Enjoy a smooth and uninterrupted user experience.
  • ✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!
Unlock the Secrets of Your Surname Now
🎁 Special offer today: 3.95 $ instead of 6.95 $
⏳ This exclusive offer expires in:

✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!

What our users say

“I discovered fascinating details about my family history. This service is amazing for tracing our roots!” - Jean D.

“This site strengthened our sense of family belonging by uncovering our origins. Highly recommended!” - Marie L.

“The information was detailed and accurate. I learned interesting facts about my ancestors. A must-have!” - Paul S.

✅ Join the 5,000+ people who have already discovered the fascinating history of their last name!

Discover my family history now

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What will I discover by exploring my last name?
Answer: You will discover the geographical origin, etymology, and unique history of your last name. You can also explore family traditions and historical events connected to it.

Question: How long does it take to access the information?
Answer: Once your payment is confirmed, access is instant. You can start exploring right away.

Question: Are the details about my last name accurate?
Answer: Our data comes from extensive research in reliable archives and historical databases. While we cannot guarantee 100% accuracy, we strive to provide the most complete and precise information possible.

Payment Information

or pay by card

By clicking 'Confirm my payment', you agree to our refund policy, accessible via this link: Refund Policy, as well as our cancellation policy accessible via this link: Cancellation Policy

Learn more about the origin of the last name Erskin

The meaning and origin of the last name Erskin

The surname Erskine originates from Scotland and is of Norman origin. It was originally spelled as Erc, Erchen, Ercin, Ercein, Erchin, and Erkyn, which were Anglicized to Erskine in the Middle Ages. The name is believed to derive from a place name in Normandy, France, which was named after a church dedicated to St. Erquhart or St. Erc. The Erskines were an influential Scottish family, with one of their most notable members being Thomas Erskine, who served as Lord Chancellor of Great Britain and is known for his role in the impeachment trial of Warren Hastings. The surname is also associated with the Erskine Towers and the lands around Loch Lomond in Scotland. Today, Erskine is a relatively uncommon surname, but it can still be found among Scottish clans and their descendants worldwide.

Geographical distribution of the last name Erskin

The surname Erskine is primarily of Scottish origin and has historical roots in the Lowlands region, particularly in the counties of Renfrewshire, Ayrshire, and East Lothian. Over time, individuals with the name Erskine migrated from Scotland to various parts of the world, including North America, Australia, and New Zealand. In North America, significant populations of Erskines can be found in Canada, particularly in the provinces of Ontario and Nova Scotia, as well as in the United States, primarily in states with a strong Scottish heritage such as Virginia, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania. The distribution of the name Erskine has also extended to other parts of the world due to historical events like the Highland Clearances, which led to emigration from Scotland to countries like South Africa and Australia. Additionally, the name can be found in smaller numbers across Europe, particularly in England and Ireland.

Variants and spellings of the last name Erskin

The surname Erskine has several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and translation over time and across regions. Some common variants include Erskine, Earleskin, Erschyne, Earskine, Ershyne, Earshyne, Earsskyne, Earshyne, Eirskine, Irskine, Erscin, Erskin, Erksen, Eirsken, and Irsken. These variations may arise from minor typos, phonetic differences, or regional dialects. The original Gaelic form of the name is Mac Erca, meaning "son of Earca", with Earca believed to be a diminutive of Eric or Aedh (Edward in English). The Erskine family is an ancient Scottish clan with a significant history and influence.

Famous people with the last name Erskin

Ernest Hemingway is one of the most renowned figures with the surname Erskine, although he is more commonly associated with his birth name, Hemingway. An American novelist and short-story writer, Hemingway was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1954 for works like "The Old Man and the Sea" and "For Whom the Bell Tolls." Another notable Erskine is Sir David Erskine, 11th Baron Erskine, a Scottish judge who played a significant role during the Scottish Enlightenment as a legal reformer in the 18th century. In the world of entertainment, there's the English actor Kenneth More, best known for his roles in films like "Reach for the Sky" and "The Bridge on the River Kwai." However, it's important to note that Erskine is a relatively common surname, and many other individuals have made significant contributions across various fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Erskin

The surname Erskin, variantly spelled as Erskine, is of Scottish origin, stemming from the ancient baronial family that held vast estates in Scotland since medieval times. The name is thought to be derived from the Gaelic term "Earsc-cionn," meaning "Bear's Head." The Erskines were one of the most prominent families in the Kingdom of Scotland, with significant political and military influence throughout history. Notable figures with this surname include Thomas Erskine, a 18th-century British politician, lawyer, and Lord Chancellor; and Arthur Erskine, a Scottish poet of the Romantic era. The name spread to England, Ireland, and North America during the colonial period as Scots immigrated seeking economic opportunities or escaping political turmoil. Today, the Erskin/Erskine surname can be found in significant numbers in Scotland, England, Canada, the United States, and Australia.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 27 July 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

Ersachew (Last name)

surnames > ersachew

The last name ersachew appears to have Ethiopian origins.

Ersan (Last name)

surnames > ersan

The last name Ersan originated in Turkey. It is derived from the Turkish word "er" meaning "man" and "san" meaning "honorable" or "high status."

Erschen (Last name)

surnames > erschen

The surname Erschen is of German origin and is derived from the Middle High German word "ersche," meaning "swamp" or "marsh." This surname likely originally denoted someone who liv...

Ersetu (Last name)

surnames > ersetu

The last name "Ersetu" does not have a known origin or meaning in English. It may be a rare or uncommon surname with limited information available about its background.

Ershaa (Last name)

surnames > ershaa

The last name "Ershaa" does not appear to have a known origin or meaning in English. It is possible that it is a rare or unique surname with limited information available.

Ershad sekdar (Last name)

surnames > ershad-sekdar

The last name "Ershad Sekdar" appears to be of Persian origin. "Ershad" is a Persian name meaning guidance or leadership, while "Sekdar" may have variations in spelling but could b...

Ershaidat (Last name)

surnames > ershaidat

The last name "Ershaidat" is of Arabic origin. It is derived from the Arabic word "ishid," which means "one who accompanies." The name may have originated as a personal name that l...

Ershid (Last name)

surnames > ershid

The last name "ershid" is of Arab origin, specifically from the Arabic word "Irsheed," which means guidance or direction. It is a common last name in Arab countries such as Saudi A...

Ersoz (Last name)

surnames > ersoz

The surname "Ersoz" is of Turkish origin. It is derived from the Turkish word "er" meaning "brave" or "warrior," and the suffix "-soz" meaning "word" or "speech." This surname may ...

Erstam (Last name)

surnames > erstam

The last name Erstam is of Swedish origin. It is believed to be derived from the Old Norse personal name "Arnfjarr", which is composed of the elements "arn" meaning "eagle" and "fj...