Durnin

Durnin is a surname of Irish origin, predominantly found in the United Kingdom, specifically in areas with a history of Irish migration, such as Northern Ireland and Scotland. The name is an anglicised form of the Gaelic Ó Dornáin, meaning 'descendant of Dornan'.

Origin and History:

The Durnin surname is believed to have originated from County Down in Northern Ireland, where the Durnin family were known to have been landowners. Over time, the family spread to other regions of the United Kingdom, with notable concentrations in Scotland, especially in regions with strong ties to Irish immigration.

Variants:

Variants of the surname Durnin include Dornan, Dornon, and Durnian. These variations often result from the phonetic spelling or regional pronunciation of the surname over generations.

Notable Individuals:

  • Patrick Durnin (b. 1975): A Scottish playwright known for his contributions to contemporary theatre.
  • Siobhan Durnin (b. 1982): A Northern Irish artist renowned for her landscape paintings inspired by her family's heritage.

Legacy:

The Durnin surname carries with it a legacy of Irish ancestry and migration to the United Kingdom. It serves as a reminder of the cultural connections between Ireland and the UK and the impact of Irish immigrants on British society.

References:

  • Hanks, Patrick, et al. The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland. Oxford University Press, 2016.
  • MacLysaght, Edward. The Surnames of Ireland. Irish Academic Press, 1999.

There are approximately 319 people named Durnin in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around five in a million people in Britain are named Durnin.

Origin: Celtic

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: Ireland

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: Gaelic

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Bernard
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Jonathan
  • Michael
  • Patrick
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Stephen
  • Terence

Female

  • Angela
  • Ann
  • Carol
  • Eithne
  • Elizabeth
  • Fiona
  • Jacqueline
  • Jane
  • Jennifer
  • Julie
  • Louise
  • Lynn
  • Mary
  • Michelle
  • Patricia

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