The given name Delon is a French name with uncertain origins, but it is believed to be derived from the Old French word "delé," meaning "beside" or "near." This name may have originated in the Middle Ages, possibly as a nickname or a locational surname referring to someone who lived near a particular landmark or location.

One theory suggests that the name Delon could be linked to the French town of Delon, which is located in the department of Gard in southern France. However, there is limited information available about the specific origins of this town name and its potential connection to the given name Delon.

Historically, the name Delon appears to have been relatively uncommon, with only a few notable individuals bearing this name throughout the centuries. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Delon dates back to the 16th century, with a French nobleman named Delon de Courcelles (born around 1520), who served as a military commander during the French Wars of Religion.

In the 17th century, there was a French painter named Gaspard Delon (1635-1700), who was known for his works depicting religious subjects and portraits. Another notable figure with the name Delon was François Delon (1704-1782), a French architect and engineer who designed several notable buildings in Paris and other parts of France.

In more recent history, the most famous individual with the name Delon is undoubtedly the French actor Alain Delon (born 1935). He rose to international fame in the 1960s and 1970s for his roles in films such as "Rocco and His Brothers," "The Samurai," and "The Leopard." Delon's rugged good looks and iconic performances made him a cultural icon and one of the most recognizable French actors of his time.

Another notable figure with the name Delon was the French writer and journalist Michel Delon (1924-2013), who was known for his works on French literature and his contributions to literary criticism. He served as the director of the prestigious French publishing house Éditions de la Pléiade and was a member of the Académie française.

While the name Delon may have had a relatively obscure history, it has been brought to prominence in modern times by the success and fame of individuals like Alain Delon, who have helped to make this name more widely recognized and associated with French culture and artistic accomplishments.