Derlin first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Derlin has been for the last 3 years (from 2007 to 2009) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Derlin

A French name meaning "little dear one" or "small, precious".

Popularity of Derlin by gender

Based on the last 3 years of data, Derlin is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2009, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Derlin.

Year Male Count Female Count
2009 5 0
2007 9 0

The history of the first name Derlin

Derlin is a unique given name with an intriguing history and origins. It is believed to have originated from the ancient Celtic language spoken in parts of modern-day Britain and France. The name is thought to be derived from the Celtic root "der," which means "oak tree," and "lin," meaning "pool" or "lake." Thus, the name Derlin may have originally referred to someone who lived near an oak tree by a pool or lake.

The earliest recorded use of the name Derlin dates back to the 6th century, when it appeared in ancient Celtic texts and manuscripts. During this period, the name was primarily used among Celtic tribes in what is now Wales and southwestern England. It is possible that the name held cultural or spiritual significance within these ancient Celtic communities, as oak trees were often revered in their belief systems.

Throughout the Middle Ages, the name Derlin remained relatively obscure, with only a few documented instances of its use. One notable figure from this era was Derlin of Dyfed, a Welsh nobleman born in 1142 who played a role in the conflicts between the Welsh princes and the Norman invaders.

As the centuries passed, the name Derlin gradually spread beyond its Celtic origins, appearing sporadically in various parts of Europe. In the 17th century, a French philosopher and writer named Derlin Montaigne (1622-1687) gained some renown for his treatises on ethics and morality.

In the 19th century, Derlin Everett (1856-1923) was a renowned American explorer and naturalist who made significant contributions to the study of the Amazon rainforest and its indigenous peoples.

Another notable figure was Derlin Sinclair (1879-1961), a Scottish engineer and inventor credited with developing several groundbreaking innovations in the field of aeronautics, including early designs for helicopters and vertical takeoff and landing aircraft.

More recently, Derlin Hawkins (1923-2007) was an influential African-American civil rights activist and politician who served as a member of the United States House of Representatives for over two decades, representing a district in Illinois.

While not a common name in modern times, Derlin has a rich and diverse history, spanning various cultures and regions over the course of many centuries. Its Celtic origins and associations with nature and spirituality have contributed to its enduring appeal and uniqueness.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Derlin was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Derlin, please contact us.

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"Derlin first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on June 15, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/derlin-meaning-and-history/.

"Derlin first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/derlin-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 15 June, 2025

Derlin first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/derlin-meaning-and-history/.

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