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Show ContentsIrwin History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
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Family Crest Download (JPG) Heritage Series - 600 DPI

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Irwin was first used as a surname in the Scottish/English Borderlands by the Strathclyde-Briton. The first Irwin family lived in the parish of Irving in the county of Dumfriesshire or from Irvine in Strathclyde. There are a variety of possible origins of the name and we will explore some of them here. One source claims the name was a "descendant of Erewine (sea friend); or one who came from Irvine (green river), in Ayrshire. " 1

Another source postulates the name was from "Mac Heremon, 'Here-mon's Son.' Heremon was the seventh in descent from Milesius, and became monarch of all Ireland. 2 And another believes that Irwin was "the Irish form of Irvine. The singular Christian name Crinus, which prevails in the family of I. of Tanragoe, co. Sligo, is traditionally derived from Krynin Abethnas, the second husband of the mother of Duncan, King of Scotland." 3

Early Origins of the Irwin family

The surname Irwin was first found in Ayrshire, at Irvine, a parish, in the district of Cunninghame, about 26 miles (W. S. W.) from Glasgow. "[Irvine] derives its name from the river on which it is situated, and appears to have attained a high degree of importance at a very early period. The inhabitants obtained from Alexander II. a charter conferring upon the town all the privileges of a royal burgh; and a charter confirming all previous grants was subsequently given to them by Robert Bruce, in recompense of their services during his wars with England in the reign of Edward I." 4

Alternatively, the name was "from Irving, the name of an old parish in Dumfriesshire, There are many Irvings (or Irvines as most of the Dumfriesshire families spell the name) here." 5

According to voice of tradition, the family descend from Duncan "the first of Eryvine," killed at the battle of Duncrub in 965. Other records show the earliest listed was William de Irwin, an armor bearer to King Robert the Bruce. He received a grant of lands encompassing the Forest of Drum, on the banks of the River Irvine. And it was here that he had Drum Castle built which would become the family seat of the Clan for centuries. The river originally was named Lar Avon, or West River.

Robert de Hirvine, ancestor of that previous William was mentioned in a Charter dated 1226 and he was at that time tenant of the Douglas Clan. From 1331-33 the family received further grants of land and by 1400 had become a very predominant family. The Chief of the Irvines lead his Clansmen in the Battle of Harlaw in 1511. Sir Alexander Irvine was slain there, and it was said of him: 'Gude Sir Alexander Irvine, The much renowned Laird of Drum.' 5

"Washington Irving (1783-1859), the American author, was son of William Irving, a native of Shapinsay, Orkney." 5

Early History of the Irwin family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Irwin research. Another 263 words (19 lines of text) covering the years 1057, 1323, 1324, 1331, 1332, 1376, 1411, 1455, 1587, 1602, 1638, 1658, 1685, 1689, 1752, 1759, 1762, 1763, 1769, 1890 and 1976 are included under the topic Early Irwin History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Irwin Spelling Variations

Medieval Scottish names are rife with spelling variations. This is due to the fact that scribes in that era spelled according to the sound of words, rather than any set of rules. Irwin has been spelled Irwin, Erwin, Irvine, Irving, Urwin, Erwine, Ervin, Erwing, Ervynn, Ervine, Erwynn, Irwing, Irwryn and many more.

Early Notables of the Irwin family

Notable amongst the family at this time was Adam Irvine, Burgess of Irvine in 1455, doubtless derived his surname from Aberdeenshire. Sir Alexander Irvine of Drum (d. 1658), the Royalist, "was descended from William de Irvine, who was armour-bearer to Robert Bruce, and was rewarded for his devoted services by a grant of the forest of Drum, Aberdeenshire, at that time part of a royal forest. A grandson of William de Irvine (Sir Alexander) distinguished himself...
Another 76 words (5 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Irwin Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Irwin World Ranking

In the United States, the name Irwin is the 939th most popular surname with an estimated 32,331 people with that name. 6 However, in Canada, the name Irwin is ranked the 622nd most popular surname with an estimated 8,280 people with that name. 7 And in Australia, the name Irwin is the 473rd popular surname with an estimated 7,957 people with that name. 8 New Zealand ranks Irwin as 407th with 1,614 people. 9 The United Kingdom ranks Irwin as 872nd with 7,833 people. 10

Ireland Migration of the Irwin family to Ireland

Some of the Irwin family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 144 words (10 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

United States Irwin migration to the United States +

Many Scots were left with few options other than to leave their homeland for the colonies across the Atlantic. Some of these families fought to defend their newfound freedom in the American War of Independence. Others went north to Canada as United Empire Loyalists. The ancestors of all of these families have recently been able to rediscover their roots through Clan societies and other Scottish organizations. Among them:

Irwin Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
  • William Irwin, who settled in Virginia in 1642
Irwin Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
  • John Irwin, who settled in Boston Massachusetts in 1712
  • Nathaniel Irwin, who landed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1740 11
  • James Irwin, who settled in Antigua in 1774
  • John Irwin, who settled in Maryland in 1774
  • Boyle Irwin, who landed in America in 1798-1802 11
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Irwin Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • David Irwin, who arrived in Allegany (Allegheny) County, Pennsylvania in 1802 11
  • Ann Irwin, aged 9, who arrived in Wiskasset (Wiscasset) in 1803 11
  • Mary Irwin, who settled in Wiscasset in 1803
  • Edward Irwin, aged 50, who arrived in Wiskasset (Wiscasset) in 1803 11
  • Patrick Irwin, aged 31, who arrived in Wiskasset (Wiscasset) in 1803 11
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Irwin Settlers in United States in the 20th Century
  • Mr. Richard Irwin, (b. 1884), aged 21, Cornish labourer travelling aboard the ship "St Louis" arriving at Ellis Island, New York in 1905 en route to Mississippi, USA 12
  • Mr. William Irwin, (b. 1884), aged 21, Cornish labourer travelling aboard the ship "St Louis" arriving at Ellis Island, New York in 1905 en route to Tougaloo, Mississippi, USA 12

Canada Irwin migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Irwin Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century
  • James Irwin, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1749
Irwin Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century
  • Thomas Irwin, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1827
  • William Irwin, aged 22, who landed in Quebec in 1835
  • Mr. Thomas Irwin, aged 24 who immigrated to Canada, arriving at the Grosse Isle Quarantine Station in Quebec aboard the ship "Scotland" departing from the port of Cork, Ireland but died on Grosse Isle In July 1847 13
  • Mr. William Irwin, aged 23 who immigrated to Canada, arriving at the Grosse Isle Quarantine Station in Quebec aboard the ship "John & Robert" departing from the port of Liverpool, England but died on Grosse Isle on 23rd August 1847 13

Australia Irwin migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Irwin Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
  • Mr. James Irwin, (b. 1769), aged 47, Scottish flax dresser who was convicted in Aberdeen, Scotland for 14 years, transported aboard the "Fame" on 9th October 1816, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 14
  • Mr. Joseph Irwin, English convict who was convicted in Middlesex, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Chapman" on 6th April 1824, arriving in Tasmania (Van Diemen's Land) 15
  • Frederick Irwin, a wire-worker, who arrived in New South Wales, Australia sometime between 1825 and 1832
  • Mrs. Margaret Irwin, (b. 1784), aged 45, Irish house maid who was convicted in Antrim, Ireland for 7 years for stealing, transported aboard the "Edward" on 1st January 1829, arriving in New South Wales, Australia, listed as having 4 children 16
  • Abraham Irwin, who arrived in Holdfast Bay, Australia aboard the ship "Africaine" in 1836 17
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

New Zealand Irwin migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Irwin Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century
  • Arthur Irwin, who landed in Wellington, New Zealand in 1840
  • Mr. William Irwin, British settler arriving as the 1st detachment of Royal New Zealand Fencible Corps travelling from Tilbury, Essex aboard the ship "Ramillies" arriving in Auckland, New Zealand on 6th August 1847 18
  • Mrs. Sarah Irwin née Potterton, British settler travelling from Tilbury, Essex aboard the ship "Ramillies" arriving in Auckland, New Zealand on 6th August 1847 18
  • Miss Margaret Irwin, (b. 1830), aged 32, British settler travelling from London aboard the ship "Echunga" arriving in Lyttelton, Canterbury, New Zealand on 24th December 1862 19
  • Mr. Robert Irwin, (b. 1838), aged 24, British labourer travelling from London aboard the ship "Echunga" arriving in Lyttelton, Canterbury, New Zealand on 24th December 1862 19
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Contemporary Notables of the name Irwin (post 1700) +

  • Robert W. Irwin (1928-2023), American installation artist who explored perception and the conditional in art
  • John Rice Irwin (1930-2022), American cultural historian, founder of the Museum of Appalachia in Norris, Tennessee
  • James Irwin (1930-1991), American NASA Astronaut with over 295 hours in space and the eighth man to walk on the Moon 20
  • Hale Irwin (b. 1945), American professional PGA golfer who won three U.S. Opens, the oldest ever U.S. Open champion in 1990, at the age of 45
  • Donald Jay Irwin (1926-2013), American politician, 32nd Mayor of Norwalk, Connecticut (1971-1975), Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Connecticut (1959-1961)
  • Major-General Stafford LeRoy Irwin (1893-1955), American Commanding General US Forces Austria (1950-1952) 21
  • Brigadier-General Constant Louis Irwin (1893-1977), American Commandant Infantry Replacement Training Center Camp Blanding (1943-1944) 22
  • Kenneth Dale Irwin Jr. (1969-2000), American 1998 NASCAR Winston Cup Rookie of the Year
  • Jonathan James Irwin (1973-2024), English television presenter, writer, lecturer, business and property expert
  • Jonathan Hiatt Nicolson Dermot Irwin (1941-2023), British-Irish bloodstock agent, auctioneer, stud owner, publisher, racetrack executive and charity founder, founder of the Jack and Jill Foundation with his wife Mary Ann O'Brien
  • ... (Another 13 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
HMS Prince of Wales
  • Mr. William F Irwin, British Boy, who sailed into battle on the HMS Prince of Wales (1941) and survived the sinking 23
Ibrox disaster
  • George McFarlane Irwin (1949-1971), Scottish football supporter, from Argyll who was at the Ibrox disaster on 2nd January 1971 when a human crush among the crowd killed 66 and injured 200 people he died of his injuries 24
SS Atlantic
  • Mr. Irwin, (Erwin), infant, who was traveling aboard the ship "SS Atlantic" when it struck rocks off Nova Scotia in 1873, died in the sinking
  • Mrs. Elizabeth Irwin, (Erwin), who was traveling aboard the ship "SS Atlantic" when it struck rocks off Nova Scotia in 1873, died in the sinking

The Irwin Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Candide et constanter
Motto Translation: Fairly and firmly.

Suggested Readings for the name Irwin +

  • Dartown to Fairfield and Beyond: The Descendants of John and Mary Welsh Irwin by Lyndon N. Irwin.
  • Guide to 500 Early Irwin/Ervin etc. Families in the United States by L.M. Irwin.
  1. Smith, Eldson Coles, New Dictionary of American Family Names New York: Harper & Row, 1956. Print
  2. Moore, A.W., Manx Names. London: Elliot Stock, 62 Paternoster Row, 1906. Print
  3. Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.
  4. Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of Scotland. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
  5. Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland Their Origin, Meaning and History. New York: New York Public Library, 1946. Print. (ISBN 0-87104-172-3)
  6. "What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
  7. "Surnames Meanings, Origins & Distribution Maps - Forebears." Forebears, https://forebears.io/surnames
  8. "Most Common Last Names in Australia." Forebears, https://forebears.io/australia/surnames
  9. "Most Common Last Names in New Zealand." Forebears, https://forebears.io/new-zealand/surnames
  10. "UK surname ranking." UK Surname map, https://www.surnamemap.eu/unitedkingdom/surnames_ranking.php?p=10
  11. Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)
  12. Cornwall Online Parish Clerks. (Retrieved 3rd May 2018). Retrieved from http://www.opc-cornwall.org/Resc/pdfs/emigration_ellis_island_1892_on.pdf
  13. Charbonneau, André, and Doris Drolet-Dubé. A Register of Deceased Persons at Sea and on Grosse Île in 1847. The Minister of Canadian Heritage, 1997. ISBN: 0-660-198/1-1997E (p. 35)
  14. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 27th September 2022). https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/fairlie
  15. Convict Records of Australia. Retreived 26th January 2021 from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/chapman
  16. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 19th November 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/edward
  17. State Records of South Australia. (Retrieved 2010, November 5) AFRICAINE 1836. Retrieved from http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/BSA/1836Africaine.htm
  18. New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 26th March 2019). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html
  19. New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 17th October 2018). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html
  20. NASA Astronauts Homepage. (Retrieved 2010, September 27) James Irwin. Retrieved from http://www.jsc.nasa.gov/Bios/htmlbios/irwin-jb.html
  21. Generals of World War II. (Retrieved 2012, March 30) Stafford Irwin. Retrieved from http://generals.dk/general/Irwin/Stafford_LeRoy/USA.html
  22. Generals of World War II. (Retrieved 2012, March 30) Constant Irwin. Retrieved from http://generals.dk/general/Irwin/Constant_Louis/USA.html
  23. HMS Prince of Wales Crew members. (Retrieved 2014, April 9) . Retrieved from http://www.forcez-survivors.org.uk/biographies/listprincecrew.html
  24. Bradford City Football Club In memory (retrieved 22nd March 2021). Retrieved from https://www.bradfordcityafc.com/club/in-memoriam/
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