Erskine Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Erskine come from? What does the surname Erskine mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Erskine and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Erskin
Surname Erskine Origin: What does the last name Erskine mean?
The Erskine surname is of Scottish origin, deriving from a location on the southern bank of the River Clyde near Glasgow. The name first appeared in records in the early 12th century, with variations like Yrskin and Ireskin. Legend has it that the name was bestowed upon a man by King Malcolm II for his bravery in battle. The Scottish Gaelic form of the surname is Arascain, and it is associated with the meaning "upon the knife," signifying valor and honor.
YourRoots data shows the presence of the Erskine surname primarily in Scotland from the 12th to the 16th century, with a noticeable increase in records over the years. By the 18th century, the surname began to spread globally, with significant numbers found in the United States by the 19th century. Today, the Erskine surname can be found in various countries worldwide, reflecting the family's widespread distribution and rich history across different regions and cultures.
Erskine Last Name History: Where did the last name Erskine come from?
Origin of Erskine Surname: Where does the last name Erskine originate from?
The Erskine surname first appears in the YourRoots database in Scotland in the United Kingdom around the early 12th century. It's important to bear in mind that this reflects only the data available in the YourRoots database for the exact spelling "Erskine" and does not include other types of records or variations of the surname.
History of the Last Name Erskine: What does the Erskine surname history look like in the early days?
The Erskine surname remained associated primarily with Scotland from the 12th through to the 16th century, according to the YourRoots database. The volume of records increased considerably over these centuries, suggesting a growth and expansion of the Erskine family within Scotland during this period. It's also important to note that over the centuries, the Erskine surname began appearing in other regions, indicating a global spread.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Erskine surname today?
By the 18th century, the volume of Erskine records grew significantly in the United States, eventually surpassing Scotland by the early 19th century. This trend continued into the 20th century. The Erskine surname, as such, is prominent in the United States, but it continues to appear in other regions worldwide, including its country of origin, Scotland. In addition to the United States and Scotland, the Erskine surname can be found in numerous countries around the globe, reflecting the widespread distribution of the family over time.
Explore Erskine last name heritage and Erskine surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Erskine Surame?
Randy Erskine
Randy Erskine (July 8, 1948) is an American professional golfer known for his success in Michigan. He won multiple Michigan Opens and the Michigan PGA Championship. Erskine was inducted into the University of Michigan Athletic Hall of Honor and the Michigan Golf Hall of Fame.
John James Erskine
John James Erskine (1771 - 1833) was a British colonial administrator in Malaysia. He served on the governing council of Prince of Wales Island and worked for the East India Company. Mount Erskine in Penang is named after him.
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