The name Larkin is an English surname that originated as a diminutive form of the male given name Lawrence. Its roots can be traced back to the Latin name Laurentius, which was derived from the Roman surname Laurentum, meaning "from Laurentum," an ancient city located near Rome. The name Lawrence itself is believed to have been a Greek translation of the Latin name.

Larkin gained popularity as a given name in its own right during the Middle Ages, particularly in England and Ireland. It was commonly used as a diminutive form of Lawrence or as a separate name with a similar meaning. The earliest known record of the name Larkin dates back to the 13th century in England.

One of the earliest notable individuals with the name Larkin was Larkin Chace (1631-1718), an English-born American settler and landowner in colonial Rhode Island. He was among the founding settlers of Warwick, Rhode Island, and played a significant role in the colony's early development.

Another historical figure with the name Larkin was Larkin Goldsmith Mead (1835-1915), an American sculptor and artist who was particularly known for his public monuments and statues. He was responsible for creating notable works such as the statue of Abraham Lincoln in Lincoln Park, Chicago, and the Statue of Liberty's pedestal in New York City.

In the literary world, Larkin Goldsmith Mead (1896-1963) was an American writer and poet who gained recognition for his works during the Harlem Renaissance. He was a prominent figure in the African American literary community and contributed to several influential publications of the time.

One of the most renowned individuals named Larkin was Philip Larkin (1922-1985), an English poet, novelist, and librarian. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest English poets of the 20th century and is known for his poignant and often melancholic works that explored themes of everyday life, mortality, and the complexities of human relationships.

Another notable figure was James Larkin (1876-1947), an Irish trade union leader and socialist activist who played a significant role in the labor movement in Ireland and Britain. He was a prominent figure in the Dublin Lockout of 1913, a major industrial dispute that had a lasting impact on workers' rights and the labor movement in Ireland.