The Gurkin surname is an Anglicized form of the Gaelic Mac Duarcáin.
The surname Gurkin was first found in north Connacht (Irish: Connachta, (land of the) descendants of Conn), where they held a family seat as Chiefs of their race. Irish history was greatly influenced by the Norman invasion of 1172, and thereafter, the surnames of Irish Gaelic clanns and septs and many of the Norman families became almost indistinguishable. This family name was found later in Sligo where seated and represented the first recorded reference to the name by Sineall, son of Cassan. They were descended through the MacNamara line from the O'Brien Kings of Ireland.
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Gurkin research. Another 75 words (5 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Gurkin History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Spelling variations of this family name include: Durkin, Durkan, Dorcan, McDurkin, McDorcan, McDurkan, Gurkin, McGurkin, O'Durkin, O'Durcan and many more.
More information is included under the topic Early Gurkin Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.