Surname Harkin - Meaning and Origin
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Harkin: What does the surname Harkin mean?
The surname Harkin is of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic name "Ó hEarcáin". This name is thought to be patronymic, meaning it was often given to an individual as a way to denote sonship or descent. In this case, it most likely signifies "descendent of Earcán". "Earcán" itself is an Irish personal name derived from a diminutive form of 'earc', whose precise meaning is uncertain, although it is suggested to embody the qualities of justice or fairness. Therefore, any person bearing the surname Harkin could potentially trace back their lineage to a family line who were known for their righteousness. However, the interpretation of surnames is largely speculative and historical and geographical factors as well as changes in language over time often result in multiple possible meanings. The name Harkin is predominantly found in the northern region of Ireland, mainly in County Donegal. Today, it is borne by people around the world due to the widespread Irish diaspora. But it is fair to say that anyone with the last name Harkin has a connection, however distant, to the emerald lands of Ireland.
Order DNA origin analysisHarkin: Where does the name Harkin come from?
The surname Harkin is of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic term ‘Ó hEarcáin’ meaning ‘descendant of Earcán’. The name is often associated with the area of County Donegal in the northern part of Ireland. The personal name Earcán is believed to come from a diminutive form of 'earc', meaning 'red', hence the surname can imply 'little red one'.
Today, the name Harkin is still quite common in Ireland, particularly in the regions of Donegal, Derry, and Tyrone. Outside of Ireland, the name has spread to various countries due to emigration, especially during the period of the Irish Potato Famine in the 19th century. Hence, the Harkin surname can be found in significant numbers in the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Notably, there is a Harkin Day in Buncrana, Donegal where descendants of the Harkin clan worldwide are invited to return and celebrate their common ancestry.
Variations of the surname Harkin
The surname Harkin is of Irish origin, originating from the Gaelic Ó hEarcáin, which means "descendant of Earcáin". Earcáin itself may be a diminutive of the personal name Earc, which means "speckled".
There are several variations and spellings of the surname Harkin, owing to phonetic translations over time and distance as well as the influence of different languages and dialects. These can include Harkins, O'Harkin, O'Harkins, Harken, Harkens, O'Harken and O'Harkens. The inclusion of an apostrophe and "O" before the name is a traditional Irish naming convention denoting "descendant of".
Due to the regional variations across Ireland, some other related surnames could be Arkens, Erkin, and even Horgan in certain areas. It's also important to note that in some cases, the name may have been anglicized differently upon families' immigration to English-speaking countries, leading to further variations. Thus, the surname Harkin has numerous variants, spellings, and possibly even several loosely related surnames of the same origin.
Famous people with the name Harkin
- Tom Harkin: Former US Senator from Iowa
- Ann Harkin: Tom Harkin's wife
- Nico Harkin: Dutch photojournalist
- Chris Harkin: British racing cyclist
- Siobhán Harkin: Northern Irish broadcaster
- Jimmy Harkin: Scottish footballer
- Jack Harkin: Canadian hockey player
- Lawrence Harkin: Former Star Trek actor
- Paul Harkin: British poet and author
- Mary Harkin: British actress