This surname is derived from the name of an ancestor. The son of Adam, from the nick. Addy, diminutive Adkin, sharpened to Atkin. There is no need of course to prove this, but it is interesting to note the following: 'Adam le Fullere,' a citizen of London, is twice referred to as Adekin le Fullere (1073, Hundred Rolls). Six centuries ago Adam probably ranked as second or third favourite among boys' names throughout England. In the north it attained a most remarkable pre-eminence. Four Adams are mentioned in the revenues of Conishead Priory, A. D. 1256 (West's Furness, pp. 192, 195). No fewer than six Adams figure as benefactors of Furness Abbey, circa 1290 (ibid). The everyday form was Adekin, then Adkin, and finally Atkin (see Addison).

Geoffrey Adekyn, 10 Ric. II, Norfolk: History of Norfolk.

William Adekyn, Somerset, 1 Edward III: Kirby's Quest.

Willelmus Adkynson, 1379: Poll Tax of Howdenshire.

Edmund Adkynson, 1379: Poll Tax of Yorkshire.

Hatkyn Benete, 1379: ibid.

The following come together: —

Johannes Attekyson, 1379: Poll Tax of Yorkshire.

Alicia soror Adekynson, 1379: ibid.

1680. Married — William Deevy and Elizabeth Adkins: St. Dionis Backchurch.

1709. Elizabeth, d. of John Adkison: St. James, Clerkenwell.

1718. Married — George Handaye and Mary Adkisson: St. Michael, Cornhill.

This English name is derived from Adkin, a diminutive of Adam. Though not of early introduction it became well established in Ireland in the seventeenth century, especially in Cork where the Atkins family, who had come from Somerset, were prominent in the commercial life of the city; they also established themselves in the Youghal area. It would appear, however, that the name was not unknown in Ireland before this time, because we find references as early as 1564 to land known as Atkinsacre, at Duleek, Co. Meath-assuming of course that Atkins is in that case a surname.

Atkinson is much more numerous in Ireland than Atkins being found mainly in the three northeastern counties. There,was a family of the name in that part of Co. Offaly then called Fercall at the end of the sixteenth century.

Atkin's (Son), Atkin’s Son v. Atkin.

An English name well known in Co. Cork where it was established in the seventeenth century. SIF 12

“Little Adam”.

(English) The son of little Ad, a pet form of Adam (red earth).

Camden derives it from At, a familiar abbreviation of Arthur, and kins, a diminutive, signifying a child, having the same meaning as the German kind, a child, an infant, i. e., the son of Arthur, so Wilkins, Simpkins, etc.

(English), Atkin's or of Atkin; i. e., Little Atty or Arthur.

Atkinson, Son of Atkin.

Atkins,Adkins. —A characteristic surname of the midland and eastern counties, being at present most relatively numerous in Northamptonshire, Oxfordshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, and Lincolnshire. Its place is taken in the north of England by Atkinson. These names are regarded as diminutives of Adam.

Atkinson. —Essentially a north country name, prevailing in the counties north of the Wash and the Mersey, and having its principal home in the counties of Durham, Cumberland, and Westmoreland. It is scantily represented across the border.