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Irish Surname - Irwin

Origin of the Irish surname Irwin

The Irish surname Irwin is derived from the Gaelic name "Mac Giolla Eóin," which means "son of the servant of John." The name "John" refers to the popular Christian name, and "Mac Giolla Eóin" signifies the relationship to a servant or devotee of John. The surname Irwin is most commonly found in Northern Ireland, particularly in County Fermanagh, but it is also present in other parts of Ireland and throughout the world.

It is believed that the Irwin family originally settled in Ireland during the Anglo-Norman invasion in the 12th century. Over time, they assimilated into Irish culture and established themselves in various counties across the country.

The surname Irwin is ranked as the 279th most common surname in Ireland.

Interesting People with the Surname Irwin

Denis Irwin, former Irish international footballer, is widely regarded as one of the finest full-backs of his generation. Born on October 31, 1965, in Cork, Ireland, Irwin's career spanned over two decades, during which he achieved remarkable success at both club and international levels. See more information on Denis Irwin
Steve Irwin (1996-2006), also known as the "Crocodile Hunter," was an Australian wildlife expert, television personality, and conservationist. He gained worldwide recognition for his enthusiastic approach to wildlife education and conservation, hosting the popular television series "The Crocodile Hunter."
Terri Irwin is an American-Australian naturalist and conservationist. She is the widow of Steve Irwin and has continued their conservation work together with their children. Terri co-hosted "The Crocodile Hunter" series and is the owner of Australia Zoo, a wildlife conservation facility.
Robert Irwin is the son of Steve and Terri Irwin. He has followed in his parents' footsteps, appearing in television programs and advocating for wildlife conservation. Robert is an accomplished wildlife photographer and has a deep passion for promoting environmental awareness.
Elizabeth Jane Irwin (1863-1953) is an Australian politician who served as the Member of Parliament for the electoral district of Perth in the Australian House of Representatives. She has been an advocate for social justice and human rights throughout her political career.

Variations of the Irish Surname Irwin

Erwin is a common variation of the Irish surname Irwin. It represents an alternative spelling of the same name, often used by individuals or families who emigrated to English-speaking countries.
Irvin is another variation of the surname Irwin, found primarily in Scotland and England. It shares the same origin and meaning as Irwin but has evolved through regional linguistic influences.
Ervin is a variation of the surname Irwin that is commonly found in Hungary, Croatia, and other Central European countries. It stems from the same Gaelic roots but has taken on different spellings and pronunciations over time.

Coat of Arms and Motto of the Irish Surname Irwin

The specific Coat of Arms and motto associated with the Irish surname Irwin can vary depending on the individual family history and lineage.

Please Note

There is often limited information available on a specific coat of arms and motto for an Irish surname. Sometimes there are many variations, sometimes none, we have compiled a representative, but by no means exhaustive, selection. Please visit our Coat of Arms and Motto page for more information.