Surname Irwin - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'I'
Irwin: What does the surname Irwin mean?
The surname Irwin is of Scottish and Old English origin. It is derived from a place-name, from "Ervine" or "Irvine" in Scotland, which itself is derived from the Celtic "yr" meaning "green" and "afon" meaning "water", thus signifying a green river. The name has undergone various spelling modifications over the centuries such as Eryvine, Erwin, and Irwin. It was first used as a surname by the descendants of the ancient Dalriadan-Scottish tribes. Irwin has also been associated with the broader Celtic elements "iarn" meaning "iron" and "wine" meaning "friend", translating to "friend of iron". This likely referred to a blacksmith or someone who worked with iron. Notable people with the surname Irwin include Steve Irwin, also known as the "Crocodile Hunter," an Australian wildlife conservationist and television personality, and his daughter Bindi Irwin, who followed in his footsteps. Ultimately, the meaning of the surname can vary based on geographical origin and historical usage.
Order DNA origin analysisIrwin: Where does the name Irwin come from?
The last name Irwin is of Irish and Scottish origin, derived from the Old Norse personal name Ívarr containing the elements ‘í’, meaning ‘yew’, ‘bow’, and ‘varr’, meaning ‘warrior’; thus, the whole name signifies ‘bow warrior’. The name was brought to Northern Ireland by Viking invaders, while its Scottish origin could suggest a link to Irvine, a place in the Strathclyde region. The name is also associated with Clan Irwin, a Scottish clan from Dumfries and Galloway in Scotland.
Today, the surname Irwin is most common in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States, the United Kingdom (especially in Scotland), Canada, and Australia. It’s especially regarded in Australia due to the family lineage of Steve Irwin, the renowned wildlife expert and television personality. Modern day bearers are often descended from Irish, Scottish and British immigrants to these countries.
Variations of the surname Irwin
The surname Irwin has its origins in both England and Scotland and is a derivative of the Old Norse given name 'Jarwin' or 'Iarwain', meaning 'sea friend.' Over time, the surname has evolved into different variants and spellings due to regional dialects, anglicisation, and the influence of other languages.
Some of the common variants and spellings for Irwin include Irvin, Irvine, Erwin, Ervin, Ervine, Orwin, Orvin, and Orvine. There are also non-English variants such as the Gaelic Ó hEireamhóin or the Scottish Irewin.
The surname may sometimes be spelled as Irwyn, Irvyn, Erwyn, Ervyn, Orwyn, or Orvyn. Slight variations, including additional or substituted letters, can result in unique spellings such as Irwan, Irwen, Eirwin, Irvinne, Erwinne, Ervvyn, Orvvyn, or Irwinn.
These surnames are further diversified because of their usage in different cultures and are connected to a number of different, though related, family lineages. Names such as Irving, Erving, Irwing or Erwing, which appear to be evolution of the Irwin name, are actually separate surnames with distinct histories, though they are often mistaken as variants of Irwin.
Famous people with the name Irwin
- Steve Irwin: The late Australian wildlife expert and TV personality, Steve Irwin, was known for hosting the show "The Crocodile Hunter" and was nicknamed the "Crocodile Hunter".
- Robert Irwin: Steve Irwin's son Robert Irwin is also a wildlife expert and TV personality. He currently appears on "Crikey! It's the Irwins" and "Wild But True" shows.
- Bindi Irwin: Steve Irwin's daughter Bindi Irwin is a conservationist, TV host, dancer, and actress. She is most well-known for winning the 21st season of "Dancing With the Stars" and currently hosts "Conservation Wild" and "Crikey! It's the Irwins" series.
- Terri Irwin: Steve Irwin's wife Terri Irwin is a conservationist and TV personality. She is best known for co-starring on "The Crocodile Hunter" and "Crikey! It's the Irwins".
- Bindi Sue Irwin: Steve Irwin's daughter Bindi Sue Irwin is an Australian actress, singer, dancer, and zookeeper. She starred in "Free Willy" series as well as appeared on several TV shows like "Blue Water High" and "Entourage".
- Jimmy Irwin: American musician and songwriter born in Nashville, Tennessee, known for featuring in albums such as "Breaking Away" and "Halfway Home".
- Robert M. Irwin: American professor specializing in Real Estate and Finance and serves as a Real Estate Practioner and Manager in the department of finance at University of San Diego.
- W. Warren Irwin: Canadian professor, scientist, and member of the Order of Canada. He is known for conducting research on diseases such as avian flu, brucellosis, and bovine tuberculosis.
- Harry L. Irwin Jr.: American banker and former chairman of the National Bank of Commerce in Birmingham, Alabama.
- Edward A. Irwin: American composer and lyricist, considered part of the "Tin Pan Alley" era. He is best known for writing the Broadway hit musicals "Face the Music" and "Fanny".