Carrington (name)

Carrington is a surname of English origin, and less commonly, a given name.

Origin and Meaning:

The surname Carrington derives from several possible origins:

• English Place Name: It most likely originates from a place name, possibly in Cheshire or Lincolnshire. Place names of this type often combine an Old English personal name with the element "-tun," meaning "farmstead" or "settlement." Thus, Carrington could mean "the settlement of Cara's people" or a similar variation depending on the specific personal name involved. Variations of the name in Old English could be Carrenton or Carrantun.

• Scottish Connection: Some sources suggest a possible connection to the Scottish Clan MacCarron, but this link is less definitively established than the English place name derivation.

Usage:

Carrington is more frequently encountered as a surname than a given name. As a surname, it is found primarily in English-speaking countries. As a given name, it is generally considered more modern and stylish, used for both males and females, though it is less common.

Notable People with the Surname Carrington:

• Richard Carrington (1826-1875): A British amateur astronomer known for his observations of sunspots.
• Leonora Carrington (1917-2011): A British-born surrealist painter and writer.
• Dora Carrington (1893-1932): A British painter and member of the Bloomsbury Group.
• Terri Carrington (born 1965): An American jazz drummer, composer, and educator.

Popular Culture:

The name "Carrington" gained significant popular recognition due to the 1980s television series Dynasty, where the wealthy and powerful Carrington family was central to the plot.

Variations:

Spelling variations of the surname are relatively rare but might include Carington.

Distribution:

The name's distribution is largely concentrated in English-speaking countries, reflecting its origin. The frequency of the surname varies by region.