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Show ContentsDarlin History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
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Family Crest Download (JPG) Heritage Series - 600 DPI

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Darlin is a name of Anglo-Saxon origin. It was a name given to a person who was greatly loved by his friends and family. The surname was originally derived from the word deorling, which meant darling. 1 2

Early Origins of the Darlin family

The surname Darlin was first found in Devon where Oter Dirlinges sunu was listed (1100-1130.) 3

However, another source claims there is an even older Saxon reference "AElfmar Dyrling, a noble youth is mentioned in the Saxon Chronicle." 4

The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle dates back to the late 9th century probably in Wessex and was updated through 1154. The name Derling with no personal name was listed in Bedfordshire 1133-1160 and later in the Pipe Rolls of Devon in 1177. In the same year many miles to the north, the first listing of the name in Scotland was found specifically Derlig de Ardift who was a witness to a charter. 5

But continuing the quest in England, we found Durling atte Forde in 1330, William Dierling (Derling) in the Pipe Rolls of Devon 1195-1196. 3 The Yorkshire Poll Tax Rolls of 1379 lists: Ricardus Derlyng; Adam Derlyng; and Johannes Derlyng. 2

A few years later in Scotland, Waldevus Darling or Derlyng was a charter witness in Roxburgh c. 1338. Sir John Derlynge was precentor of Caithness in 1368 and later John Derling and Andrew Derling were burgesses of Edinburgh in 1381. 5

Early History of the Darlin family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Darlin research. Another 66 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1772, 1775, 1778, 1793, 1815, 1825, 1831, 1838, 1842, 1848, 1858, 1860 and 1865 are included under the topic Early Darlin History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Darlin Spelling Variations

Before the last few hundred years, the English language had no fast system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations are commonly found in early Anglo-Saxon surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Darlin were recorded, including Darling, Derling, Darlin, Durling, Darline, Derline, Derlin and many more.

Early Notables of the Darlin family

Distinguished members of the family include

  • General Sir Ralph Darling, GCH (1772-1858), a British colonial Governor and the seventh Governor of New South Wales (from 19 December 1825 to 22 October 1831)...
  • He "was son of Christopher Darling, who was promoted from sergeant-major to the adjutancy of the 45th foot in 1778, and was afterwards quartermaster of that regiment...

Ireland Migration of the Darlin family to Ireland

Some of the Darlin family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. More information about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Darlin family

To escape oppression and starvation at that time, many English families left for the "open frontiers" of the New World with all its perceived opportunities. In droves people migrated to the many British colonies, those in North America in particular, paying high rates for passages in cramped, unsafe ships. Although many of the settlers did not make the long passage alive, those who did see the shores of North America perceived great opportunities before them. Many of the families that came from England went on to make essential contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. Research into various historical records revealed some of first members of the Darlin family emigrate to North America: Francis Darling who settled in Virginia in 1654; George Darling settled in Boston in 1651; another George Darling settled in Virginia in 1774; Richard Darling settled in Virginia in 1651 with his wife Ruth..
  1. Hanks, Patricia and Flavia Hodges, A Dictionary of Surnames. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1988. Print. (ISBN 0-19-211592-8)
  2. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
  3. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
  4. Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.
  5. Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland Their Origin, Meaning and History. New York: New York Public Library, 1946. Print. (ISBN 0-87104-172-3)
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