About the Irwine Surname

Ask a genealogist about Irwine and the first name they will mention is Irwin. The name is usually explained as “From Irvine, or boar-friend”.

Irwine coat of arms

Arms linked to Irwin and its spellings were granted to individual families; our heraldry team traces which line they belonged to.

Spelling and variants

Irwine adds “e” to Irwin, a small change that crept in as the name was written down. Census takers and immigration officers often wrote what they heard. Related forms: Erwin.

Want more than a summary? See the Irwine family name pack.