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.
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?
Maya Erskine
Maya Mutsuko Erskine is an American actress and writer known for her roles in popular TV series such as PEN15 and Mr. & Mrs. Smith. Born on May 7, 1987, in Los Angeles, Erskine has received critical acclaim for her work, earning nominations for Primetime Emmy Awards. She co-created and co-wrote PEN15, where she starred alongside Anna Konkle, playing fictional versions of their 13-year-old selves. Erskine's talent and versatility have made her a standout in the entertainment industry, with a growing list of accomplishments in both television and film.
Peter Erskine
Peter Clark Erskine (June 5, 1954 - ) is an American jazz drummer known for his work with Weather Report, Steps Ahead, and various other musical collaborations. Starting his career in the 1970s, Erskine has played with renowned artists like Chick Corea, Kate Bush, and Diana Krall, showcasing his versatile drumming style. Additionally, he is a respected professor at the Thornton School of Music at the University of Southern California. With a prolific discography and numerous honors, Erskine continues to captivate audiences with his rhythmic talents and passion for music.
Kenneth Erskine
Kenneth Erskine (born July 1, 1963) gained infamy as The Stockwell Strangler, a British serial killer who murdered 7-11 senior citizens in London between April and July 1986. Erskine was known for breaking into homes, strangling his victims, and often sexually assaulting them. He was eventually caught and convicted of seven murders, earning a life sentence with a recommended minimum of 40 years. Diagnosed with schizophrenia and antisocial personality disorder, Erskine has been held in Broadmoor Hospital since 1988. His case remains one of the most severe in British legal history, reflecting the tragic consequences of his heinous crimes.
Scott Erskine
Scott Thomas Erskine (December 22, 1962 – July 3, 2020) was an American serial killer convicted for the 1993 murder of two California boys. He had a history of violent crimes and was sentenced to death in 2004 for his heinous acts. Erskine's life and crimes shocked the nation, and his death in 2020 from COVID-19 brought closure to many affected by his actions. Despite his dark past, his story serves as a cautionary tale of the consequences of untreated mental health issues and the importance of early intervention in troubled individuals.
Graves B. Erskine
General Graves Blanchard Erskine (June 28, 1897 – May 21, 1973) was a distinguished United States Marine Corps officer known for leading the 3rd Marine Division during the pivotal Battle of Iwo Jima in World War II. He demonstrated exceptional bravery and strategic leadership throughout his military career, earning accolades such as the Silver Star Medal and the Navy Distinguished Service Medal. Erskine's contributions to the war effort and his post-war efforts in assisting Marines with vocational training on Guam solidified his legacy as a respected military figure.
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