Harrington Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Harrington come from? What does the surname Harrington mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Harrington and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Harrington Origin: What does the last name Harrington mean?
The surname Harrington, also spelled as Harington, has English origins and is linked to habitational names from regions in Cumbria, Lincolnshire, and Northamptonshire. It is a prevalent surname in southwest Ireland, where it was Anglicized from Gaelic surnames Ó hArrachtáin and Ó hIongardail. According to YourRoots data, records of the Harrington surname date back to the early 12th century in England, United Kingdom. Over the centuries, the surname spread globally, with significant volumes of records appearing in the United States by the 17th century.
YourRoots data further shows that the Harrington surname has a widespread presence today, not only in the United States but also in countries like the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, South Africa, France, Germany, and Sweden. This indicates the extensive global reach and historical significance of the Harrington surname, reflecting a rich heritage and a legacy that continues to thrive across various regions and cultures in the contemporary world.
Harrington Last Name History: Where did the last name Harrington come from?
Origin of Harrington Surname: Where does the last name Harrington originate from?
Based on the information from YourRoots, the surname Harrington first showed up in records from England, United Kingdom in the early 12th century. It's important to note that this data only reflects the exact spelling of "Harrington" within YourRoots records and doesn't consider other potential sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Harrington: What does the Harrington surname history look like in the early days?
According to YourRoots data, the "Harrington" surname had a strong connection with England, United Kingdom from the 12th century through the 15th century. However, a shift occurred in the 17th century when the United States began to show a significant volume of Harrington records. Other countries also started to reflect the presence of the Harrington surname, indicating a spread across the globe over the centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Harrington surname today?
By the 17th century, the United States surpassed the United Kingdom in the volume of records for the Harrington surname. This trend continued into the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, the Harrington surname is prevalent in the United States and can be found in various countries worldwide. These include the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, South Africa, France, Germany, Sweden, and other nations, demonstrating the global presence of the Harrington surname.
Explore Harrington last name heritage and Harrington surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Harrington Surame?
Jay Harrington
James H. Harrington III (November 15, 1971 - ) is an American actor and director known for his roles in popular TV shows like Better Off Ted and S.W.A.T. Harrington has also appeared in films such as American Reunion and Anywhere but Here. With a background in theater and a passion for sports, he brings a dynamic presence to both the screen and stage. Harrington's versatility and talent have earned him a loyal fan following and critical acclaim in the entertainment industry.
Desmond Harrington
Desmond Harrington (October 19, 1976) is an American actor known for his roles in various films and television series. He gained recognition for playing Joseph "Joey" Quinn on Showtime's Dexter and Jack Bass on the CW's Gossip Girl. Harrington has also appeared in movies like The Dark Knight Rises and The Neon Demon. With a diverse range of characters under his belt, he has showcased his acting skills in both popular franchises and independent projects, solidifying his presence in the entertainment industry.
P√°draig Harrington
P√°draig Peter Harrington (born Aug 31, 1971) is an Irish professional golfer known for winning three major championships, including The Open Championship and the PGA Championship. Harrington spent over 300 weeks in the top-10 of the world rankings and was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2024. He grew up in Dublin, Ireland, and honed his skills at a young age, eventually becoming a prominent figure in the golfing world. Harrington's career highlights include representing Europe in the Ryder Cup and winning multiple European Tour events. With his impressive achievements, Harrington has solidified his legacy as one of golf's greats.
Mike Harrington
Mike Harrington (born 1964) is an American programmer and businessman known for co-founding the video game company Valve with Gabe Newell. Together, they developed the critically acclaimed game Half-Life (1998). Harrington later co-founded the photo editing service Picnik and held various tech positions, including CTO at the Committee for Children and Amplion. His innovative work in the tech industry has left a lasting impact on the world of gaming and software development.
Laura Harrington
Laura Harrington (born 1957 or 1958) is an American actress and screenwriter known for her roles in films like "What's Eating Gilbert Grape" and "The Devil's Advocate." She made her Broadway debut in the 1979 revival of Richard III and has appeared in TV series like Quantum Leap. Harrington also worked on adapting novels for the screen, including "The Moon and the Sun." With a talent for captivating performances, she has left a mark on both the stage and screen throughout her career.
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