Origin & Meaning of the Irwin Surname
What does the last name Irwin mean?
The surname Irwin carries the meaning "Family name of European origin." It is derived from the European language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 34,297 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Irwin ranks as the #1,019 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Irwin come from?
The Irwin surname has its roots in European heritage. Names of European 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 Irwin name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Irwin trace back to European. 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 | Irwin |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of European origin |
| Origin | European |
| Language | European |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,019 |
| US Count (2010) | 34,297 |
| Per 100K People | 11.63 |
| First Letter | I |
Ethnic Distribution of Irwin
According to the US Census, the Irwin surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 34,297 Americans with the Irwin last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 92.62% |
| Black | 2.18% |
| Hispanic | 2.21% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.7% |
| Native American | 0.68% |
| Two or More Races | 1.61% |
Popularity of Irwin Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Irwin surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Irwin surname decreased by 77 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other European Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Irwin
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