Surname Anglin - Meaning and Origin
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Redefining Roots: Discovering the Origins of the Surname Anglin Through iGENEA DNA Test
Exploring my genetic history and surname origins through the iGENEA DNA test, I discovered surprising connections to the Celts and found a community of fellow Anglins spread across the globe.
L. Anglin
read moreAnglin: What does the surname Anglin mean?
The surname Anglin is of Irish origin, deriving from the Gaelic word "Angallán" which can be roughly translated to mean "fierce courage" or "extraordinarily brave". Historically, the Anglin family held a family seat in the province of Munster, specifically in County Cork where they were well established for many centuries. Like many Irish names, it underwent various spelling modifications as English language and culture dominated, leading to versions such as Angland, O'Angland, O'Anglin and others. The surname often denotes descendants of a lineage that demonstrated extraordinary bravery or courage. While it is present throughout the world, it is more commonly found in English-speaking countries such as the United Kingdom, Ireland, United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand due to the effects of Irish emigration.
Order DNA origin analysisAnglin: Where does the name Anglin come from?
The surname Anglin is believed to be of Anglo-Saxon origin meaning "Englishman". It is thought to have been a name given to a person from England living in a place where the majority of people were from another country. The name likely arrived in Britain following the Norman conquest in 1066. Variants of the name including Angliss, Angless, and Anglais also exist. The earliest record of the Anglin name dates back to the early 1200s in the county of Suffolk.
The Anglin surname is relatively rare globally, but it is most commonly found in the United States today. Other countries where the surname is prevalent include England, Canada, and Australia. Within the U.S., it is most common in the southern states particularly Mississippi. The name notably appears in historical accounts related to the infamous escaped prisoners, the Anglin brothers, from Alcatraz. Despite its Anglo-Saxon origin, a significant number of people with the Anglin surname in the U.S. claim Irish heritage, suggesting some Irish families may have adopted the name as well.
Variations of the surname Anglin
The surname Anglin hails from the Anglo-Saxon tribes in Britain. Several variations of the surname Anglin have evolved since the time of its inception. Distinct spelling versions can include Angland, Anglin, Anglican, Englin, Englind, Anglen, Anglyne, Anglyn, Anglind, and Angline among others.
The English language only became standardized in the last few centuries; thus spelling variations in names are commonly found in early Anglo-Saxon and later Anglo-Norman documents. In the Middle Ages, even the literate spelled their names differently as the English language incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other European languages.
Some people with the Anglin surname have also changed the spelling intentionally to Anglicize it, often to Anglican. Anglicization was common during periods of heavy immigration to English-speaking countries like the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. Furthermore, it is not uncommon for surnames to have 'Mc' or 'Mac' prefixed, denoting 'son of' in Gaelic languages, which may result in variations such as McAnglin or MacAnglin.
The spelling variations of a single surname help to convey the multitudes of ways that surnames developed overtime, with families often choosing to change the spelling of their surname in an effort to break ties with their past or to forge new identities.
Famous people with the name Anglin
- John Anglin: Known for his famous Alcatraz escape, John was an American criminal and one of the Alcatraz escapees of 1962.
- Clarence Anglin: Brother of John Anglin, Clarence was also part of the notorious Alcatraz escape.
- Margaret Anglin: She was a popular stage actress, director and producer in the early 20th century.
- Jack Anglin: An American country music singer best known as a member of the Anglin Brothers, and later Johnnie & Jack.
- Sondra Radvanovsky (born Sondra Anglin): An American-Canadian soprano specializing in 19th-century Italian opera.
- Geoff Anglin: An Australian former rugby league footballer who played in the 1960s.
- Shayne Anglin: A Jamaican footballer who plays as a goalkeeper. Remember that people with the last name Anglin may not necessarily be related and their fame could stem from their individual accomplishments and contributions.