Surname Dilling - Meaning and Origin

Dilling: What does the surname Dilling mean?

The surname Dilling is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the personal name "Dylla" along with the Old English suffix "-ing", which means "son of". Therefore, the surname can be interpreted as "descendant of Dylla". Like many surnames, it was likely given to the eldest son in a family. The name Dylla may have been an occupational name for someone who refers to "dyeing" or coloring in Old English. Dilling, as a surname, has its roots in the regions of Cambridgeshire and Leicestershire in England where the first recorded instances of the name were found dating back to the 11th and 12th centuries. Over time, the name has evolved in spelling and is seen in various forms including Dill, Dyll, Dillan, and Dillon. It is a fairly uncommon surname today. In terms of geographical distribution, it is most prevalent in the United States, followed by Germany and Canada. It's important to note that the meaning and origins of surnames can often be speculative, therefore this name might have various meanings in different countries and languages.

Dilling: Where does the name Dilling come from?

The surname Dilling is of German origin and is believed to have been derived from a place named Dillingen in Germany, indicating that the original bearers of the name hailed from there. The surname may also have patronymic roots dating back to the early Middle Ages in Old Germany where it could have been used to denote 'son of Dillo or Dille', which are personal (first) names in Germany.

Today, the Dilling surname is most prevalent in the United States, following waves of German immigration in the 18th and 19th centuries. It is also relatively common in Germany, particularly in areas surrounding the Dillingen district. Other places where the Dilling surname can be found include Norway and Denmark, likely due to historical migration and influences of the Germanic language and culture in these regions. Despite its prevalence in these countries, Dilling is still considered a fairly uncommon last name in global terms.

Variations of the surname Dilling

Dilling is most likely a variant of the surname Dill used regionally in northern Germany. The name may be a short form of a personal name such as Dietrich. Variants of the surname Dilling can include Dill, Diel, Dielling, Dietrich, Dillen, Dylan, and Dyllan. Spelling versions can vary regionally or based on personal preference, often influenced by factors such as pronunciation, culture, and history. During times of emigration, the spelling may have been further modified upon arrival in the new country, to be more phonetically compatible with the local language.

As for surnames of the same origin, those deriving from similar roots include Dillinger, Dilger, Dielmann, and Diller. While these names all share the 'Dill' root, differences in suffices indicate different meanings or functions, suggesting different branches of the same name-family tree. However, it's important to note that surnames can often have multiple origins, meaning the same surname could have appeared independently in different regions. Therefore, people with the surname Dilling can have diverse heritage and may not necessarily share ancestors.

Famous people with the name Dilling

• Joe Dilling: a professional American football player, he played college football at South Dakota State and then was signed to the Carolina Panthers of the NFL
• Young Dilling: American country music singer-songwriter from Nashville
• Paul Dilling: jazz musician, composer, and conductor known for collaborating with legendary artists such as Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong
• Ben Dilling: German-born professional basketball player who played in the NBA from 1992-1998
• Fritz Dilling: German mountaineer and explorer, he was the first person to successfully ascend the Matterhorn in 1975
• Elia Dilling: American civil rights activist in the 1960s
• Julie Dilling: award-winning visual artist based in San Francisco
• Ann Dilling: a Grammy-winning jazz vocalist and music teacher
• LaWanda Dilling: a gospel singer and recording artist
• Gunter Dilling: contemporary German artist whose works has been exhibited worldwide.

Other surnames

DilliardDillieDillinDillinerDillingerDillinghamDillion