The surname of ATKIN was a baptismal name 'the son of Anthony', an ancient and still popular personal name which was originally derived from the Latin name Antonius, and was one of the commonest European given names. It was an ancient Roman family name of unknown etymology. The most famous member of the family name was the soldier and triumvir Mark Anthony (Marcus Antonius, circa 83-30 BC). The popularity of the given name in Christendom is largely due to the cult of the Egyptian hermit St. Anthony (AD 251-356), who in his old age gathered a community of hermits around him, and for that reason is regarded by some as the founder of monasticism. It was further increased by the fame of St. Anthony of Padua (1195-1231) who has always enjoyed a great popular cult, and is believed to help people find lost things. Antony of Thebes (called Antony the Great) was born in the year 251, in Upper Egypt. He sold his possessions for the poor at the age of 20, and withdrew into the wilderness, and took up his abode in an old ruin at the top of a hill, where he spent 20 years in the most rigorous seclusion. In the year 305, he was persuaded to leave this retreat by the prayers of numerous anchorites, and then founded a monastery. In 355 the venerable hermit, then over a hundred years old, made a journey to Alexandria, but feeling his end approaching he retired to his desert home, where he died in 356. Willelmus Adkynson of Yorkshire, was listed. Later instances of the name include a certain William Deevy and Elizabeth Adkins who were married at St. Dionis Backchurch, London in the year 1680. Elizabeth, daughter of John Adkinson was baptised at St. James's, Clerkenwell, London in 1709. George Handaye married Mary Adkinsson at St. Michael, Cornhill, London in the year 1718. A notable member of the name was James Richard Atkin, Lord of Aberdovey (1867-1944) was the English judge, born in Brisbane, Australia. He was educated at Christ College, Brecon and Magdalen College, Oxford, he established himself slowly by specializing in commercial cases. As a judge (1913) he was firm but patient, and highly regarded, and in the Court of Appeal, and the House of Lords, he was recognized as distinguished, delivering notable opinions in many leading cases. He also made important contributions to legal education.