Last Name Harrington

The last name "Harrington" is of English origin. It is derived from a place name in England called Harrington, which is composed of the Old English elements "hær" meaning "rock" or "stony place," and "tun" meaning "farm" or "settlement." Therefore, the surname Harrington originally referred to someone who hailed from the village or settlement of Harrington. The name has ancient roots, dating back to medieval times, and has been primarily associated with families from the counties of Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire in England. Over time, the surname spread to other parts of the country and eventually became more widespread.

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The meaning and origin of the last name Harrington

The surname Harrington has English origins and is derived from the place name "Harington," which is a village in Cumberland, England. The name is believed to be derived from the Old English personal name "Æðelheri," meaning noble army, combined with the suffix "-ing," indicating son or descendant. Over time, the name evolved from Æðelheringtūn to Harrington. The surname became associated with Sir James Harington of Warwickshire, who gained prominence during the reign of Edward IV in the 15th century. The Harrington family later held significant estates in Westmorland and Lancashire, contributing to the spread of the name across England. Some notable individuals with the surname Harrington include the 17th-century English poet James Harrington and the American actress Tess Harper Harrington. Today, the surname Harrington is relatively common and can be found across various English-speaking countries, particularly the United States, Canada, and Australia.

Geographical distribution of the last name Harrington

The last name Harrington is primarily found in English-speaking countries, with the highest concentration in the United States and Ireland. In the United States, the name is most prevalent in the northeastern states, particularly Massachusetts and New York. This can be attributed to historical migration patterns from Ireland, where the name has roots. Harrington is a popular surname in Ireland, especially in counties Kerry, Cork, and Waterford. The prevalence of the name in these regions can be traced back to the Gaelic-speaking Irish clans that held ancestral lands in these areas. Other countries with notable populations of Harringtons include Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom, particularly England. Overall, the geographical distribution of the Harrington last name reflects the historical migration patterns of Irish and English individuals, with strong concentrations in English-speaking countries influenced by Irish heritage.

Variants and spellings of the last name Harrington

The last name Harrington has several variations and spellings. One common variation is Herrington, where the "a" is replaced by an "e." Another variation is Herrinton, with the "a" being replaced by an "i." Some less common variations and spellings include Herrngton, Herrintun, and Harington. Additionally, the name can be spelled with a single "r" as Harington, or with an added "s" at the end as Harringtons. It is important to note that the variations and spellings of names can differ regionally or based on personal preference. The origin of the Harrington surname comes from the Old English personal name "Hæring" combined with the word "tūn," which means "settlement" or "enclosure." Overall, these variations and spellings provide insight into the diverse ways that the surname Harrington can be represented.

Famous people with the last name Harrington

There have been several notable famous people with the last name Harrington who have left their mark in various fields. One such renowned figure is Michael Harrington, an influential American democratic socialist and author who was a leading advocate for the rights of the poor and underprivileged. His book, "The Other America," played a crucial role in raising awareness about poverty in the United States during the 1960s. Another notable individual is Emily Harrington, an accomplished American professional rock climber. She has achieved great success in her career, becoming the first woman to free climb El Capitan's Golden Gate route in Yosemite National Park. Moreover, Kit Harrington, a British actor, gained international recognition for his portrayal of Jon Snow in the critically acclaimed television series "Game of Thrones." Known for his talent and charisma, he became a household name and received widespread acclaim for his performance on the show. These Harringtons have each made names for themselves, inspiring and entertaining people from different walks of life.

Genealogical research on the last name Harrington

The last name Harrington is of English origin and can be traced back to medieval times. The name is derived from the place name Harrington, which is composed of the Old English elements "haer" meaning rock and "tun" meaning settlement or enclosure. The Harrington family was known to have held lands and estates in various regions of England, including Northumberland, Lincolnshire, and Rutland. The name gradually spread throughout the country. In the 17th century, the family gained prominence in Ireland, particularly in County Kerry, where they were established as landed gentry. Over time, the Harrington name expanded beyond the British Isles, with descendants emigrating to other parts of the world, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Today, the Harrington surname is relatively common, and individuals with this name can be found across different regions, carrying on the legacy of their ancestors.

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