The ancestors of the name Dawlings date back to the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. The name is derived from when the Dawlings family lived in or beside a meadow. The surname Dawlings originally derived from the Old English word Dael. [1]
The surname Dawlings was first found in Norfolk at either Field Dalling or Wood Dalling. Collectively they date back to the Domesday Book when they were listed as Dallinga. [2] Later there was a split in the villages as Wode Dallinges was listed in 1198 and Fildedalling was listed in 1272. [3]
The parish of Wood-Dalling (anciently spelt Wode Dallinges) in Norfolk was a family seat since early times. "The Hall, now a respectable farmhouse, was built in 1582 by a member of the Dalling family, which during a long period held the estate." [4]
The source History of Norfolk has the following entries for the family: Phillip de Dalling, Norfolk, 10 John; Eustace de Dalling, Norfolk, 6 Edward II; Peter de Dallyng, Norfolk, 1291; and Roger Dallyng, vicar of Brooke, Norfolk, 1409. [5]
Further to the north in Scotland, the Dawling variant was most popular: "Robert Dawling in Leith accepts the king's coronation, 1567, and Jonet Dauling was heir of Violet Dauling, lawfully born daughter of Robert Dawling, 1637. James Dawling was member of Scots parliament for South Queensferry, 1639. Jeanna Dawling and Helena Dawling were heirs portioners of James Dawling, burgess of Sowth Queensferrie, their father, 1668. Probably of English origin from Dalling in Norfolk." [6]
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Dawlings research. Another 130 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1400, 1567, 1684, 1691, 1695, 1561, 1637 and 1561 are included under the topic Early Dawlings History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
It is only in the last few hundred years that the English language has been standardized. For that reason, early Anglo-Saxon surnames like Dawlings are characterized by many spelling variations. As the English language changed and incorporated elements of other European languages, even literate people changed the spelling of their names. The variations of the name Dawlings include: Dalling, Dawling, Douling, Dauling, Dallinger and others.
Another 31 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Dawlings Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Some of the Dawlings family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 30 words (2 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Many English families tired of political and religious strife left Britain for the new colonies in North America. Although the trip itself offered no relief - conditions on the ships were extremely cramped, and many travelers arrived diseased, starving, and destitute - these immigrants believed the opportunities that awaited them were worth the risks. Once in the colonies, many of the families did indeed prosper and, in turn, made significant contributions to the culture and economies of the growing colonies. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families has revealed a number of immigrants bearing the name Dawlings or a variant listed above: