The Harrington Family History

What Does the Harrington Surname Mean? Historical Origins Explained

The surname Harrington has its roots in Scotland and is associated with a geographical area situated along the border between Scotland and England, specifically in Cumberland. Deriving from the Old English word ‘haferingtun,’ the name translates to settlement. A recognized variation of this surname is Harington. Within Ireland, the Harrington surname is predominantly found in County Kerry. In England, it is most commonly located in Essex and the metropolitan area of London, with additional concentrations in Lancashire and Yorkshire. In Scotland, significant populations of individuals bearing the Harrington name can be observed in the counties of Lanarkshire, Ayrshire, Renfrewshire, Midlothian, Angus, and Fife. In the United States, the Harrington surname is notably present in states such as Massachusetts, New York, North Carolina, Michigan, Illinois, Texas, and California. Prominent individuals bearing the Harrington name include Richard Harrington, a Welsh actor; Alan Harrington, a Welsh footballer; Chris Harrington, a professional football player; Edward Harrington, an Australian poet and short story writer; Jay Harrington, an actor; John Harrington, a 17th-century English inventor credited with creating the flush toilet, known as the Ajax, in 1596; Melissa Harrington, an actress; and Thomas Harrington, the founder of Thomas Harrington Ltd., a company known for manufacturing coaches and buses.