Darling — Last Name Origin & Meaning

European origin Rank #1,904 in the US 18,879 Americans

US Rank (2010)
#1,904
▼ Down 55 since 2000
People in the US
18,879
6.4 per 100K people
Origin
European
European

Origin & Meaning of the Darling Surname

What does the last name Darling mean?

The surname Darling carries the meaning "Family name of European origin." It is derived from the European language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 18,879 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Darling ranks as the #1,904 most common surname in the United States.

Where does the surname Darling come from?

The Darling surname has its roots in European heritage. Names of European origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Darling name far beyond its original homeland.

Language of Origin

The linguistic roots of Darling trace back to European. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.

European European

Quick Facts

Surname Darling
Meaning Family name of European origin
Origin European
Language European
US Rank (2010) #1,904
US Count (2010) 18,879
Per 100K People 6.4
First Letter D

Ethnic Distribution of Darling

According to the US Census, the Darling surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 18,879 Americans with the Darling last name.

White 87.13%
Black 7.2%
Hispanic 2.39%
Asian/PI 0.66%
Native American 0.66%
Two+ Races 1.95%
Ethnic distribution of the Darling surname in the US (2010 Census)
Ethnicity Percentage
White87.13%
Black7.2%
Hispanic2.39%
Asian/Pacific Islander0.66%
Native American0.66%
Two or More Races1.95%

Popularity of Darling Over Time

Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Darling surname has changed in prevalence.

Census 2000
#1,849
17,855 people
Down 55
Census 2010
#1,904
18,879 people

The number of Americans with the Darling surname increased by 1,024 between 2000 and 2010.

Discover Your Darling Ancestry

Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Darling ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.

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Similar Surnames to Darling

These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Darling.

Other European Surnames

Explore more surnames with European roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same European origin as Darling.

Frequently Asked Questions About Darling

The surname Darling is of European origin. Family name of European origin
The surname Darling is ranked #1,904 in the United States with approximately 18,879 people bearing this name as of the 2010 US Census.
Family name of European origin. The name has European roots and has been present in the United States for generations.
According to US Census data, the Darling surname is distributed as: 87.1% White, 7.2% Black. This reflects the diverse heritage of Americans with this name.
To trace your Darling ancestry, consider using DNA testing services like Ancestry.com, 23andMe, or MyHeritage. These services can connect you with relatives and reveal your ethnic heritage and migration patterns.

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