4,110 Global KERWIN Family Members

KERWIN Family History

Recorded in many spelling forms including Culwen, Curwen, Kerwen, Kerwin, Kervyn, and Kerven, and often confused with the famous Irish surname Kirwan, this is an Anglo-Scottish surname of ancient and confusing origins. It is locational and derives from the village of Colvend, originally Culewen, on the mouth of the River Urr, in Kircudbrightshire, in Scotland. In the spelling of Curwen and its derivatives, the surname is English and Cumbrian, but is believed to also originate from the Scotland. The place name meaning and hence the surname is obscure, but is probably a development of the Olde English pre 7th century 'col wincel' or similar, the cold place! Being situated as it is on the mouth of a river, this would seem to be a logical explanation...