Duffin History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Thousands of English families boarded ships sailing to the New World in the hope of escaping the unrest found in England at this time. Although the search for opportunity and freedom from persecution abroad took the lives of many because of the cramped conditions and unsanitary nature of the vessels, the opportunity perceived in the growing colonies of North America beckoned. Many of the settlers who survived the journey went on to make important contributions to the transplanted cultures of their adopted countries. The Duffin were among these contributors, for they have been located in early North American records:

Duffin Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

• Edward Duffin who settled in North America in 1757
• Edward Duffin, who arrived in Annapolis, Maryland in 1757
• Ann Duffin, a bonded passenger, who arrived in Virginia in 1774

Duffin Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

• Anne Duffin, who landed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1816 2
• William Duffin, who settled in New York, NY in 1824
• James Duffin, who settled in New York in 1843
• Patrick Duffin, who was naturalized in Ohio in 1848

Duffin Settlers in United States in the 20th Century

• John Carraile Duffin, who arrived in Arkansas in 1902 2

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Duffin Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

• James Duffin, who settled in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1833
• James Duffin, aged 23, a labourer, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1833 aboard the brig "Ugoni" from Belfast, Ireland

Duffin Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

• Mr. James Duffin, English convict who was convicted in Berkshire, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Eden" on 27th August 1836, arriving in Tasmania (Van Diemen's Land) 3
• Mr. James Duffin who was convicted in Lancaster, Lancashire, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Bengal Merchant" on 4th August 1836, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 4
• Mr. Thomas Duffin, English convict who was convicted in Berkshire, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Augusta Jessie" on 10th August 1838, arriving in Tasmania (Van Diemen's Land) 5

Duffin Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

• Mary Duffin, who arrived in Auckland, New Zealand aboard the ship "Empress" in 1865
• Hugh Duffin, aged 21, a farmer, who arrived in Auckland, New Zealand aboard the ship "India" in 1875 6
• Ellen Duffin, aged 19, who arrived in Auckland, New Zealand aboard the ship "India" in 1875 6
• Mr. Duffin, British settler travelling from London via Cape ports aboard the ship "Pembroke Castle" arriving in Port Chalmers, Dunedin, Otago, South Island, New Zealand on 5th November 1889 7

• Shay Duffin (1931-2010), Irish-born American character actor of the stage and screen, known for The Departed (2006), Titanic (1997) and Raging Bull (1980)
• Richard James Duffin (1909-1996), American physicist, known for his contributions to electrical transmission theory and to the development of geometric programming
• Dan Duffin (b. 1973), English director and writer, known for The 12 Days of 'Black Christmas' (2006), What Have You Done?: The Remaking of 'Black Christmas' (2006) and On Screen! (2005)
• Aoife Duffin, Irish Film and Television Award nominated actress, known for Fear of Flying (2012), Behold the Lamb (2011) and What Richard Did (2012)
• Jacalyn Mary "Jackie" Duffin (b. 1950), Canadian medical historian and hematologist who holds the Hannah Chair, History of Medicine at Queen's University
• Graeme Duffin (b. 1956), British rock musician for the Scottish pop band Wet Wet Wet since 1983
• Anne Duffin, British historian and part-time lecturer at the University of Exeter
• Adam Duffin (1841-1924), Irish unionist politician in Northern Ireland
• Terrence Duffin (b. 1982), Zimbabwean cricketer