name
Uncommon
Irwin
WIHN
Irwin (name) means a Scottish or Irish surname, originally used to identify someone as a descendant of a person named Irwin. Example: “Steve Irwin was famous for his work with wildlife.”
name
1
A Scottish or Irish surname, originally used to identify someone as a descendant of a person named Irwin.
"Steve Irwin was famous for his work with wildlife."
2
A male given name derived from the surname.
"They named their son Irwin after his grandfather."
How to use Irwin
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA surname or given name, also shared by several small towns across the US.
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Word forms
- Plural
- Irwins
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Steve _____ was famous for his work with wildlife.
Etymology
From the medieval given name Erwin, from Old English eofor ("boar") plus wine ("friend").
Frequently asked questions
What does “Irwin” mean?
The word “Irwin” means a Scottish or Irish surname, originally used to identify someone as a descendant of a person named Irwin. In plain terms, a surname or given name, also shared by several small towns across the US.
How do you pronounce “Irwin”?
“Irwin” is pronounced WIHN (/ˈɝwɪn/ in IPA).
How do you use “Irwin” in a sentence?
Here is “Irwin” used in a sentence: “Steve Irwin was famous for his work with wildlife.”
What part of speech is “Irwin”?
“Irwin” is a name.
Where does the word “Irwin” come from?
The word “Irwin” comes from Old English. From the medieval given name Erwin, from Old English eofor ("boar") plus wine ("friend").
Is “Irwin” a common word?
“Irwin” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “Irwin” have?
“Irwin” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a Scottish or Irish surname, originally used to identify someone as a descendant of a person named Irwin.
Is Irwin a first name or a surname?
Irwin functions as both: it started as a Scottish or Irish surname used to identify someone as a descendant of a person named Irwin, and later became a male given name derived from that surname.
What is the origin of the surname Irwin?
Irwin originated as a Scottish or Irish surname, historically used to mark someone as a descendant of an earlier person named Irwin, a common pattern in surname formation from personal names.
Is Irwin used as a given name today?
Yes, Irwin is used as a male given name derived from the surname, a common pattern where surnames of this kind become first names over time.
