Irvin Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Irvin come from? What does the surname Irvin mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Irvin and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Irvin Origin: What does the last name Irvin mean?
The surname Irvin has Indo-European origins, with various meanings across different regions. In Old Gaelic, it signifies "freshwater" or "friend of the sea," while in Eastern Europe, it is linked to the German name Erwin, meaning "friend of the army." The name has Balkan roots, possibly derived from the word irvas, meaning reindeer, and is used in countries like Albania, Bosnia, and Croatia. YourRoots data shows the surname Irvin first appearing in England in the early 16th century, later spreading to the United States and other countries like Scotland, Ireland, and Canada.
Through the centuries, the Irvin surname has expanded globally, with significant presence in the United States, Canada, Australia, and Scotland. It remains prominent in various countries, including Ireland, England, New Zealand, and South Africa. The name's widespread distribution reflects its enduring legacy and continued relevance in different regions and cultures, making it a distinctive and significant part of family histories around the world.
Irvin Last Name History: Where did the last name Irvin come from?
Origin of Irvin Surname: Where does the last name Irvin originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Irvin first appeared in records from England around the early 16th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact Irvin spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Irvin: What does the Irvin surname history look like in the early days?
The Irvin surname remained closely associated with England in the 16th century, expanding notably to the United States in the 18th century. YourRoots data also shows Irvin family records in countries like Scotland, Ireland, and Canada, indicating global spread over the centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Irvin surname today?
By the 20th century, the volume of records with the Irvin surname grew significantly in the United States. The Irvin surname remains prominent in the United States, Canada, Australia, and Scotland. It appears in many countries, including Ireland, England, New Zealand, and South Africa.
Explore Irvin last name heritage and Irvin surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Irvin Surame?
Michael Irvin
Michael Jerome Irvin (March 5, 1966 - ) is a former professional football player for the Dallas Cowboys of the NFL and a sports commentator. Known as "the Playmaker," Irvin was part of the legendary Cowboys trio, "The Triplets," alongside Troy Aikman and Emmitt Smith, leading the team to three Super Bowl victories in the 1990s. He set records at the University of Miami before being drafted by the Cowboys in 1988. Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Irvin continues to make an impact as an NFL analyst and TV personality, even competing on Dancing with the Stars in 2009.
Monte Irvin
Monford Merrill "Monte" Irvin (Feb 25, 1919 – Jan 11, 2016) was an American baseball player who excelled in the Negro leagues and Major League Baseball. He played for the Newark Eagles, New York Giants, and Chicago Cubs, becoming one of the earliest African-American MLB players. Irvin mentored future Hall of Famer Willie Mays and played in two World Series. Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1973, he also worked as a baseball scout and held an administrative role with the MLB commissioner's office. Irvin was known as the oldest living former Negro Leagues player, New York Giant, and Chicago Cub at the time of his death.
John Irvin
John Irvin (May 7, 1940) is an English film director known for his work in both television and Hollywood films. He began his career directing documentaries and TV works before moving on to make movies such as "The Dogs of War," "Ghost Story," and "Hamburger Hill." With a background in London Film School, Irvin has directed a wide range of genres, from horror to action to biopics. Some of his notable works include "Raw Deal," "Mandela's Gun," and "The Garden of Eden." Irvin has received numerous award nominations and wins throughout his career, showcasing his talent behind the camera.
Britt Irvin
Brittney Elizabeth Irvin (Nov 10, 1984 - ) is a Canadian actress and voice-over artist known for her roles in popular franchises like "Scary Godmother" and "My Little Pony: Equestria Girls". She has appeared in various TV series and movies, showcasing her talent in acting and voice work. Irvin has also lent her voice to iconic characters in shows like "X-Men: Evolution" and "Sabrina The Teenage Witch". With a diverse range of roles in her career, Irvin continues to captivate audiences with her performances on screen and behind the mic.
Bruce Irvin
Bruce Pernell Irvin Jr. (November 1, 1987 - ) is an American professional football linebacker known for his time with the Seattle Seahawks. He played college football for the West Virginia Mountaineers before being drafted in the first round of the 2012 NFL draft. Irvin won Super Bowl XLVIII and made history by being the first player ejected from a Super Bowl in XLIX. With a strong career in the NFL, Irvin's impact on the field has solidified his place in football history.
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