The surname Hardin, and its variants Harding and Arding, can be found in both England and France. The name is of patronymic origin, that is, it belongs to the category of surnames derived from the first name of the father of the initial bearer. In this instance, the name indicates "son of Hardin", a variant of Harding. The personal name Harding is derived from the OId English "Hearding", a given name ultimately of Germanic origin, derived from the Old High German word "hardus" meaning "hard. Brave, strong, firm". As a variant of Harden, Hardin comes from either the place name Harden, in Yorkshire or Haredene Wood in Wilkshire or it may come from the personal name Harden or even from Arden, also the name of places in England. Finally, as an Irish name Hardin represents an anglicized form of Mac Giolla Deacair. The earliest record of this surname or a variant dates back to the eleventh century; when one Hardingus is recorded in Suffolk in 1095. In 1199 one Roger Harding is listed in the "Pipe Rolls" of Nottingham and Richard Harding is mentioned in the "Assize Rolls" at Yorkshire in 1204. The "Hundred Rolls" at 1273 contains references to Hugh Harding and Nicol Harding of Co. Cambridgeshire, Nicholas fil. Harding is mentioned in the "Pipe Rolls" during the reign of Henry II (973-1025). The "Poll Tax Returns of Yorkshire" has a reference to one Johannes Hardyng in 1379.

Additional references include Ann Hardin who was christened in a church in Pittington, Durham, on March 3rd, 1598. Nicholas Hardin married Sarah Carring in Cotnes. Devonshire, on November 23rd, 1731. The marriage of Richard Hardin and Elizabeth Gatland took place in West HoathIy, Sussex, on March 23rd, 1805.