Show ContentsDarleen History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Etymology of Darleen

What does the name Darleen mean?

The ancestors of the Darleen family lived among the ancient Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. Darleen 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 Darleen family

The surname Darleen 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 Darleen family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Darleen 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 Darleen History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Darleen Spelling Variations

Darleen has been spelled many different ways. Before English spelling became standardized over the last few hundred years, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. As the English language changed in the Middle Ages, absorbing pieces of Latin and French, as well as other languages, the spelling of people's names also changed considerably, even over a single lifetime. Many variations of the name Darleen have been found, including Darling, Derling, Darlin, Durling, Darline, Derline, Derlin and many more.

Early Notables of the Darleen 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...
Another 50 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Darleen Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Darleen family to Ireland

Some of the Darleen 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 Darleen family

In an attempt to escape the chaos experienced in England, many English families boarded overcrowded and diseased ships sailing for the shores of North America and other British colonies. Those families hardy enough, and lucky enough, to make the passage intact were rewarded with land and a social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families became important contributors to the young colonies in which they settled. Early immigration and passenger lists have documented some of the first Darleens to arrive on North American shores: 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..


Contemporary Notables of the name Darleen (post 1700) +

  • Noel Darleen Neill (1920-2016), American actress, best known for her role as Lois Lane in the Superman film serials (1948) and the 1950s television series Adventures of Superman
  • Darleen Engle (1936-1985), Hollywood costume designer who designed costumes for such television shows as Wonder Woman and The Dukes of Hazzard
  • Darleen A. Brooks, American Democratic Party politician, Alternate Delegate to Democratic National Convention from California, 2008 6


  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)
  6. The Political Graveyard: Alphabetical Name Index. (Retrieved 2015, November 23) . Retrieved from http://politicalgraveyard.com/alpha/index.html


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