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Irish Surname - Harbison

Origin of the Irish surname Harbison

The Irish surname Harbison is an anglicised form of the Gaelic name Ó hArbhasáin, derived from the personal name Arbhasán, which is a diminutive of the Old Irish word "airbse," meaning "descendant of the abbot." The Harbison surname is most commonly found in the Ulster region, particularly in counties Donegal, Antrim, and Tyrone.

Interesting People with the Surname Harbison

Dr John Harbison who died in January 2021 at the age of 84, served as the Irish State Pathologist from 1974 to 2003, during which time he played an instrumental role in numerous high-profile criminal investigations. As the State Pathologist, he conducted post-mortem examinations and provided expert testimony in court, aiding law enforcement agencies in their efforts to solve cases. Dr Harbison was highly regarded for his expertise, dedication, and significant contributions to forensic pathology in Ireland.
John Harbison is an American composer whose works have been widely performed by orchestras and chamber ensembles. He is a recipient of multiple prestigious awards, including the Pulitzer Prize for Music and a MacArthur Fellowship.
Rebecca Harbison is an American astronomer and planetary scientist who has made significant contributions to the study of the outer solar system, particularly the dynamics and composition of small bodies such as comets and asteroids.
Janet Harbison is an Irish harpist, composer, and teacher who has significantly contributed to the promotion and revival of the Irish harp tradition. She was born in Dublin and started playing the harp at a young age. Harbison has won numerous awards and accolades for her performances, including multiple All-Ireland Harp Championships.

Janet Harbison founded the Irish Harp Orchestra, which has toured extensively and released several albums. She has also written numerous compositions for the harp, as well as educational materials for harp students. In addition, Harbison has been involved in the establishment of the Irish Harp Centre in Castleconnell, County Limerick, where she provides instruction and promotes the Irish harp as a vital part of Ireland's cultural heritage./li>

Variations of the Irish Surname Harbison

Harbison - The most common anglicised form of the Gaelic name Ó hArbhasáin.
Harbinson - Another anglicised form of the surname, often found in Ulster and other parts of Ireland.
Harbeson - A less common variant of the surname, sometimes found in the United States and other English-speaking countries.
Harbisson - A rare variation of the surname that can be found in some records.

Coat of Arms and Motto of the Irish Surname Harbison

The Harbison coat of arms features a gold shield with three red roses and a black chevron, symbolising protection and faithful service. The crest displays a hand holding a red rose, which represents hope and joy. The motto "In Domino confido" translates to "In the Lord, I trust," reflecting the family's strong Christian faith.

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.