The name Remington has its origins in the Old English language, derived from the words "Remington" and "tun," which together meant "settlement or farmstead on the Remington stream." This suggests that the name first arose in England during the Anglo-Saxon period, likely between the 5th and 11th centuries AD.

The earliest recorded usage of the name Remington can be traced back to the Domesday Book, a comprehensive record of landholdings and properties commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. In this document, there are references to several places bearing the name Remington, indicating that the name was already in use as a place name by that time.

One of the earliest known individuals with the given name Remington was Remington de Cricklade, a Norman knight who lived in the 12th century. He is mentioned in various historical records from that period, particularly in connection with his service under King Henry II of England.

During the Middle Ages, the name Remington gained popularity among the English nobility and gentry. Notable individuals bearing this name include Remington Fitzwilliam (born c. 1325), a prominent landowner in Lincolnshire, and Remington Payne (c. 1400-1468), a Member of Parliament during the Wars of the Roses.

In the 16th century, the name Remington was associated with the English Renaissance. One of the most famous individuals with this name was Remington Beaumont (1516-1589), a poet and playwright who was part of the literary circle around Sir Philip Sidney.

As the British Empire expanded in the 17th and 18th centuries, the name Remington spread to other parts of the world. Remington Wilkinson (1635-1707) was an English colonist who settled in Virginia and became a prominent tobacco planter. In the 19th century, Remington Hodges (1822-1886) was a British explorer and surveyor who played a significant role in mapping the interior of Australia.

While the name Remington has maintained a presence throughout history, it has never been among the most common given names. However, it has been borne by several notable individuals, including Remington Russell (1812-1882), an American artist known for his depictions of the American West, and Remington Steele (1900-1983), an American novelist and screenwriter best known for his works in the mystery genre.