This page needs Javascript enabled in order to work properly. Click here for instructions on how to enable it in your browser.
Surname Header Image
Get access to Firkin family records.Start a 14-Day Free Trial

Firkin Family History

Firkin Surname Meaning

From Middle English fir(de)kin ‘wooden cask; quarter of a barrel (as a measure of capacity)’

It references the historical use of casks in various trades, particularly those related to liquors.

The term may have origins connected to a cooper or beer seller, highlighting its relevance in the brewing industry.

There is also a suggestion that it could pertain to a heavy drinker, indicating a cultural context surrounding consumption.

Overall, the word encapsulates a blend of trade, measurement, and social behavior in its historical significance.

Source: The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland, 2016


Similar surnames: 

Search for a relative to learn more about your family history.

Hint: Try searching for a relative alive in 1940.

Where is the Firkin family from?

You can see how Firkin families moved over time by selecting different census years. The Firkin family name was found in the USA, the UK, and Scotland between 1840 and 1920. The most Firkin families were found in United Kingdom in 1891. In 1891 there were 50 Firkin families living in Staffordshire. This was about 45% of all the recorded Firkin's in United Kingdom. Staffordshire had the highest population of Firkin families in 1891.
Use census records and voter lists to see where families with the Firkin surname lived. Within census records, you can often find information like name of household members, ages, birthplaces, residences, and occupations.
Mapbox
© Mapbox © OpenStreetMap Improve this map

What did your Firkin ancestors do for a living?

In 1940, Farmer was the top reported job for people in the USA named Firkin. 50% of Firkin men worked as a Farmer.

View Census Data for Firkin | Data not to scale

*We display top occupations by gender to maintain their historical accuracy during times when men and women often performed different jobs.

United States shown, Canada data unavailable

Top Male Occupations In 1940

  • Farmer
    50%
  • Laborer
    25%
  • Farming
    25%

What Firkin family records will you find?

Census Records

There are 3,000 census records available for the last name Firkin. Like a window into their day-to-day life, Firkin census records can tell you where and how your ancestors worked, their level of education, veteran status, and more.

Search Canadian census records for Firkin

Passenger Lists

There are 391 immigration records available for the last name Firkin. Passenger lists are your ticket to knowing when your ancestors arrived in Canada, and how they made the journey - from the ship name to ports of arrival and departure.

View all Firkin immigration records

Draft Cards

There are 122 military records available for the last name Firkin. For the veterans among your Firkin ancestors, military collections provide insights into where and when they served, and even physical descriptions.

View all Firkin military records

You've only scratched the surface of Firkin family history

Discover More

What is the average Firkin lifespan?

Between 1964 and 2004, in the United States, Firkin life expectancy was at its lowest point in 1970, and highest in 1999. The average life expectancy for Firkin in 1964 was 58, and 74 in 2004.

View Social Security Death Index (SSDI) for Firkin

An unusually short lifespan might indicate that your Firkin ancestors lived in harsh conditions. A short lifespan might also indicate health problems that were once prevalent in your family. The SSDI is a searchable database of more than 70 million names. You can find birthdates, death dates, addresses and more.

Discover the unique achievements of ancestors in the Firkin family tree

Explore Your Tree
Search for another surname
Enter last name/surname
Start a 14-Day Free Trial