Origin & Meaning of the Harrington Surname
What does the last name Harrington mean?
The surname Harrington carries the meaning "From a town or settlement." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 66,959 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Harrington ranks as the #500 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Harrington come from?
The Harrington surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Harrington name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Harrington trace back to Old English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Harrington |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a town or settlement |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #500 |
| US Count (2010) | 66,959 |
| Per 100K People | 22.7 |
| First Letter | H |
Ethnic Distribution of Harrington
According to the US Census, the Harrington surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 66,959 Americans with the Harrington last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 82.01% |
| Black | 12.38% |
| Hispanic | 2.41% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.72% |
| Native American | 0.64% |
| Two or More Races | 1.84% |
Popularity of Harrington Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Harrington surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Harrington surname increased by 1,828 between 2000 and 2010.
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The Complete Story of the Harrington Family
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- ✓ The Harrington coat of arms & heraldry
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Similar Surnames to Harrington
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Harrington.
Other English Surnames
Explore more surnames with English roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same English origin as Harrington.
Frequently Asked Questions About Harrington
Top Surnames Starting with H
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter H, ranked by population.
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