Show ContentsGerlain History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The Gerlain surname is thought to be a habitational name taken on from a now lost or unidentified place name in England.

Early Origins of the Gerlain family

The surname Gerlain was first found in Norfolk where the family name was first referenced in the year 1296 when William Girlyn held estates in that shire. The Girlington family were early proprietors of the township of Leck in Lancashire. 1

Early History of the Gerlain family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Gerlain research. Another 137 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1177, 1455, 1487 and 1642 are included under the topic Early Gerlain History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Gerlain Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Girling, Girlyn, Girlington, Gerlinston, Garlington, Gerling, Gerlin, Girlin, Gerlyn, Gerlinge, Gylinge and many more.

Early Notables of the Gerlain family

More information is included under the topic Early Gerlain Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Gerlain family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: Richard Girling, who came to Cambridge, MA in 1635; Jno Girling, who arrived in Virginia in 1667; Lionell Girlings, who settled in Maryland in 1678; Elizabeth Girling, who arrived in Virginia in 1730.



  1. Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.


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