The name Kerwin has its origins in the Old English language, stemming from the ancient Anglo-Saxon tribes that settled in Britain after the fall of the Roman Empire. It is believed to have derived from the combination of two Old English words: "cyr," meaning "return," and "wine," meaning "friend" or "companion." Thus, the name Kerwin could be interpreted as "a loyal friend who returns" or "a faithful companion."

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Kerwin can be traced back to the Domesday Book, a comprehensive survey of land ownership and taxation commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. In this historic document, a person named Kerwin is listed as a landowner in the county of Lincolnshire, indicating that the name was already in use during the late 11th century.

Throughout the Middle Ages, the name Kerwin was relatively uncommon but appeared sporadically in various historical records. One notable figure was Kerwin de Burgh, a Norman knight who fought alongside King Richard I during the Third Crusade in the late 12th century.

In the 16th century, a variant spelling of the name, Kerwyn, was found in the writings of the English poet and playwright William Shakespeare. In his play "The Tempest," one of the minor characters is referred to as "Master Kerwyn," though little is known about the significance of this reference.

During the Renaissance period, a German astronomer named Kerwin Hartmann (1535-1609) gained recognition for his observations and calculations related to the movements of celestial bodies. His work contributed to the advancement of astronomy and the understanding of the solar system.

Another prominent figure bearing the name Kerwin was Sir Kerwin Granville (1667-1735), an English politician and Member of Parliament who served as the Speaker of the House of Commons from 1714 to 1722. He played a significant role in the political affairs of the time and was known for his impartial leadership during parliamentary sessions.

In more recent times, one of the most notable individuals with the name Kerwin was Kerwin Mathews (1924-2007), an American actor best known for his portrayal of the title character in the 1957 science fiction film "The Incredible Shrinking Man." His performance in this iconic movie became a cultural touchstone and cemented his place in the annals of Hollywood history.