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Harrington Family Genealogy & History

Discover the Global Legacy of the Harrington Surname

The Harrington surname, with its roots in England, is a distinguished habitational name originating from places like Cumbria, Lincolnshire, and Northamptonshire. This name, often seen as Harington, signifies a connection to these regions and has been part of the English landscape since the 12th century. In Ireland, the Harrington surname was adopted as an Anglicized form of the Gaelic surnames Ó hArrachtáin and Ó hIongardail, reflecting its cultural adaptability and historical significance.

Over the centuries, the Harrington name has evolved and spread geographically, becoming prominent in both England and Ireland. By the 13th and 14th centuries, various branches of the Harrington family tree had firmly established themselves in the Midlands and Northern England. This expansion continued into the 17th and 18th centuries, with many Harringtons migrating to the New World, particularly the United States. This migration contributed to the global presence of the surname, highlighting its adaptability and the resilience of its bearers.

YourRoots data reinforces the historical trajectory of the Harrington family, noting its presence in England from the 12th century. The database provides insights into the family's expansion during the medieval period, confirming the spread of Harrington genealogy into diverse regions. With records detailing the growth of the Harrington lineage, descendants can trace their roots and understand the historical context that shaped their family's journey.

Today, the Harrington surname continues to thrive, particularly in the United States, where extensive Harrington genealogy records are available. YourRoots offers valuable resources for those interested in exploring their heritage, enriching the narrative of the Harrington family tree and providing a comprehensive view of its global connections.

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Tracing Your Harrington Family Lineage

Origin of the Harrington Family: Where does the Harrington surname come from?

The Harrington surname traces its origins back to its earliest recorded appearance in England during the 12th century, marking the beginning of its genealogical journey. This initial record serves as a vital link to the family's roots, providing context for the subsequent evolution of the Harrington lineage. The name itself likely derives from geographical locations or localities in England, indicating a connection to specific regions that would shape the family's identity.

Genealogy and Early Family History of Harrington

Throughout the centuries, the Harrington family began to establish itself firmly within England, with significant growth noted during the 13th and 14th centuries. Key regions where Harrington family lines appeared include the Midlands and the North of England, where numerous branches of the family tree began to develop. By the late medieval period, these families were not only expanding in numbers but also creating intricate networks through marriages and alliances, further enriching their genealogical history.

Tracing the Harrington Family Tree Through the Centuries

As time progressed, the Harrington surname saw considerable expansion beyond England, particularly during the 17th and 18th centuries when many families migrated to the New World. Prominent regions such as the United States began to host significant populations of Harringtons, contributing to a growing and diverse family tree. This global spread was not limited to English-speaking countries; branches of the Harrington family can also be found in various parts of the world, showcasing the adaptability and resilience of the family lineage.

Where to Find Harrington Genealogy Records Today

In modern centuries, the Harrington surname continues to have a notable presence, particularly in the United States, where families have established deep roots. As the family tree has evolved, tracking down genealogical records has become increasingly important for descendants wishing to connect with their heritage. Readers are encouraged to explore the extensive Harrington genealogy records available in the YourRoots database to uncover their unique family history and connections.

Famous People with Harrington (and Their Family Tree)

Jay Harrington

Jay Harrington, born James H. Harrington III on November 15, 1971, is a prominent American actor and director renowned for his diverse roles in television. Best known for starring as the titular character in ABC's sitcom "Better Off Ted" (2009–2010) and as Sgt. David "Deacon" Kay in CBS's "S.W.A.T." since 2017, Harrington has also made notable appearances in series such as "Desperate Housewives," "Summerland," and "Suits." His filmography includes roles in movies like "American Reunion" and "Whatever It Takes." Harrington is also active in theater, with performances in off-Broadway productions like "Barefoot in the Park." An avid sports enthusiast, he participates in the Entertainment League basketball and plays amateur ice hockey.

Jay Harrington was born and raised in Wellesley, Massachusetts, to parents Judy and Terry Harrington. He has two brothers, Adam and Matt, with whom he shares a rich family life. The Harrington family enjoyed summers at Cape Cod, fostering a connection to the Harwich Junior Theater. Harrington's educational journey included attending Wellesley High School followed by theater studies at Syracuse University, shaping his path into the entertainment industry.

Desmond Harrington

Desmond Harrington, born on October 19, 1976, is a renowned American actor known for his diverse roles in both film and television. He made a significant impact with his film debut in Luc Besson's historical drama "The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc" (1999) and gained further recognition in thriller and horror genres with films like "Riding in Cars with Boys" (2001), "Ghost Ship" (2002), and "Wrong Turn" (2003). On television, Harrington is best known for his role as Det. Joey Quinn in Showtime's "Dexter" (2008–2013), earning multiple Screen Actors Guild Award nominations. He has also appeared in notable series such as "Gossip Girl," "The Astronaut Wives Club," and "Elementary."

Pádraig Harrington

Pádraig Harrington, born on 31 August 1971, is a renowned Irish professional golfer who has achieved significant success on the European Tour, PGA Tour, and PGA Tour Champions. Harrington has won three major championships, including The Open Championship in 2007 and 2008 and the PGA Championship in 2008. He has spent over 300 weeks in the top-10 world rankings and reached a career-high ranking of third in July 2008. Harrington is also a six-time Ryder Cup team member and was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2024.

Born in Dublin, Ireland, Harrington is the youngest of five sons of Patrick and Breda Harrington. His father, Patrick "Paddy" Harrington, was a Garda and played Gaelic football for Cork in the 1950s. Paddy was also a boxer, hurler, and an avid golfer, which influenced Harrington's passion for the sport.

Mike Harrington

Mike Harrington, an influential American programmer and businessman born in 1964, made significant contributions to the video game industry. Co-founding Valve with Gabe Newell in 1996, Harrington played a pivotal role in the development of the critically acclaimed game Half-Life (1998), which marked a major success in his career. He previously worked at Dynamix and contributed to Windows NT at Microsoft. After selling his stake in Valve in 2000, he co-founded Picnik, a photo editing service, in 2006, which was later acquired by Google. Harrington continued his entrepreneurial journey by co-founding Catnip Labs and serving as CTO at various companies, including Committee for Children and Amplion.

Laura Harrington

Laura Harrington, an accomplished American actress and screenwriter, hails from Ann Arbor, Michigan. She made a significant mark with her Broadway debut in the 1979 revival of Richard III alongside Al Pacino. Harrington is best known for her roles in films like What's Eating Gilbert Grape and Maximum Overdrive, where she starred opposite Emilio Estevez. Her television presence includes appearances in series such as Quantum Leap. In 2013, she contributed to the adaptation of Vonda N. McIntyre's The Moon and the Sun, highlighting her versatile talents in the industry.

Harrington Surname Meaning, Origin, and History

The surname "Harrington" is an English habitational name originating from places in Cumbria, Lincolnshire, and Northamptonshire. In southwest Ireland, it also serves as an Anglicized form of the Gaelic surnames Ó hArrachtáin and Ó hIongardail.

Where to Find Genealogy Records for Harrington

We’ve analyzed YourRoots tree and records data to uncover where genealogists are finding key sources such as census, birth certificates, marriage records, and obituaries for the Harrington family. Explore our most popular genealogy record sources for the Harrington surname to learn more.