Harrington is a surname and its spelling can be confusing due to its pronunciation. The word "Harrington" is pronounced as /hærɪŋtən/ which can be broken down into phonetic symbols. The "h" is pronounced as a voiceless glottal fricative, followed by the "a" pronounced as a short "æ" sound. The "r" is pronounced as a tapped or trilled sound, followed by the "i" pronounced as a short "ɪ" sound. The "ng" is pronounced as an ŋ sound and the "t" and "o" are pronounced with a schwa sound (Ə), followed by the "n" pronounced as an "n" sound.
Harrington is a proper noun with multiple meanings and uses. One common definition is that it is a surname of English origin. Originally derived from the medieval given name Harry, it indicates a son of Henry, and thus conveys a sense of "son of Harry" or "son of Henry." As a surname, Harrington could be traced back to medieval England, and it is not uncommon to find people with this last name in English-speaking countries.
Harrington can also refer to a place name, specifically a town or village. There are several towns named Harrington in different regions across the world, notably in the United States, Australia, and England. These places could have been named after prominent or influential individuals with the last name Harrington or due to their geographic location or historical significance.
Furthermore, "Harrington" can be associated with various organizations, establishments, or products, often named after a person or a place. This could include businesses, schools, hotels, or even sports teams that have adopted the name Harrington.
Overall, the term "Harrington" carries different connotations depending on its context. It can refer to a surname indicating a familial lineage, a geographical place name, or an institutional or commercial entity.
The surname "Harrington" is of English and Irish origin. It is derived from the Old English personal name Hæring or Hering, which in turn comes from the Old Norse name Hæringr. The suffix "-ton" is a common ending for English place names, meaning "settlement" or "town". Therefore, "Harrington" is believed to mean "the settlement of Hæring" or "Hæring's town". The name first appeared as a surname in England in the 13th century and later spread to Ireland through English settlers.