Surname Dorling - Meaning and Origin
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Dorling: What does the surname Dorling mean?
The last name Dorling is of Anglo-Saxon origin. It is derived from the Old English words "dorr" meaning 'door' and "ing", which is a suffix often used to mean 'people of the'. It is believed that the Dorlings were originally a family of door-keepers or custodians.
The Dorling surname is associated with distinguished lineage and can be found in many villages, towns, and counties throughout England. The earliest recorded mention of the Dorling name dates back to the 12th century during the reign of King Henry II.
The Dorling family name is most commonly associated with the counties of Surrey, Devon, and Somerset, where its early origins have been traced. Later generations of the Dorlings were found settled in the Cotswolds area, while others migrated to London and farther afield to live in America, Canada, and Australia.
The Dorling surname has also been linked to some notable individuals throughout history. For example, Thomas Dorling was the first Mayor of Bristol in 1698. He was also a Member of Parliament. Meanwhile, Napoleon Henry Dorling was a famous English landscape artist.
Overall, the surname Dorling represents a proud history and an excellent sense of tradition. It is a testament to the legacy of those who have come before us and a reminder that we owe it to them to carry on their legacy and honour their names.
Order DNA origin analysisDorling: Where does the name Dorling come from?
The last name Dorling is not a particularly common last name today, although it can be found in scattered locations across the world. It appears to be most prevalent in the United Kingdom, specifically in the northeast in the counties of Essex, Leicestershire and Derbyshire, as well as in Yorkshire, Lancashire and the Scottish Borders. It can also be found in smaller numbers in Ireland and other parts of Europe.
In the United States, Dorling is less common but can be found in various states, especially in the south, although instances occur in states across the country. The surname appears to be most often found in the area generally around eastern Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia and Pennsylvania, as well as Oklahoma, Arkansas and California.
Outside of these traditional locations, Dorling can also be found in other areas around the world, primarily in the Australasian region, suggesting the migration of the surname to this part of the world. This includes Australia and New Zealand.
Overall, Dorling is a relatively uncommon surname, although it can be found in various locations across the world. Although the geographic pattern of the surname suggests a likely origin in the British Isles, the current global distribution of the surname points to its migration to other parts of the world over the course of history.
Variations of the surname Dorling
The surname Dorling has several variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. These include: Doreling, Darling, Darlington, Durling, Durlang, Darlinge, Doerling, Dorlan, and Dorolith.
The earliest records of the surname in England date back to the 11th century, and it is often associated with the north of England (specifically Yorkshire and Lancashire). It originally derived from the Old English name Deorlaf, which means "dear wolf," and from the Old English elements "deor," meaning dear or precious, and "wolf," meaning wolf.
The surname may also have its roots in Scandinavia, as variants of Dorling can also be found in Sweden. It is suggested that in this case, the name derived from the Old Norse name Dori, which means “bear.”
In the United States, Dorling is most commonly found in the midwest regions of Illinois, Indiana, and Iowa, with those bearing the surname typically being of German descent.
Additionally, the surname is also found in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Canada, Scotland, and Ireland.
It is believed that today, there are several thousand individuals with the surname Dorling internationally.
Famous people with the name Dorling
- Jack Dorling: one of the most successful British songwriters and producers in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
- Paul Dorling: English artist, illustrator and explorer, known for producing woodcut prints and wood engravings and being part of the National Geographic Society's original expedition to Patagonia in 1912.
- Alison Dorling: English actress, writer, director and producer, best known for her roles in the BBC television drama Life on Mars.
- John Dorling: British architect, known for designing environmentally friendly residential housing.
- Stephen Dorling: English writer and author, most famous for his novel Dunkirk: The Novel of War.
- Sarah Dorling: English ceramic artist and sculptor, known for her sand-cast sculptures that depict animals.
- Anne Dorling: English painter specialising in portraits and landscapes of rural scenes.
- Florence Dorling: British actress and playwright, best known for starring in the television drama Heartbeat.
- George Dorling: English historian, most famous for his book on the Devonshire regiment in the Boer War.
- John Burton Dorling: British military doctor and soldier, recipient of the Victoria Cross for his bravery during the Battle of Gellibrand Hill.