Last Name Delano

The last name Delano has an origin in Italy. It is derived from the Italian surname "Di Lanno," meaning "of the year" or "from the year." It is believed to have originated in the region of Calabria in southern Italy. Over time, variations of the name emerged, including Delano, De Lanno, and Di Lanno.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Delano

The meaning and origin of the last name Delano

The surname Delano is of French origin and is believed to derive from the Old French word "de la naut," meaning "of the water" or "of the ship." It is a locational surname, indicating that the original bearers hailed from a place near or associated with water. This could refer to a location near a river, a coastal area, or even a person who worked on ships or boats. The most famous bearer of this surname is Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the 32nd President of the United States. Although his ancestors had anglicized the name to Delano, his French Huguenot ancestor Philippe de la Noye (later anglicized to Philip Delano) was an early settler in Plymouth, Massachusetts, in the 1620s. Over time, the Delano family dispersed across the United States, and the surname became more widespread. Today, the surname Delano can be found mainly in the United States, particularly in the New England region where its earliest roots are traced.

Geographical distribution of the last name Delano

The surname Delano is primarily found in the United States, particularly in the northeastern region. The name has its origins from French and Italian backgrounds. One notable individual with this name is Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the 32nd President of the United States. The Delano family had roots in the town of Saintonge in France before emigrating to America in the 17th century. Over time, the name spread across the country, with concentrations in Massachusetts, New York, and California. In Massachusetts, the town of New Bedford is particularly associated with the Delano name due to the family's prominence in the whaling industry during the 19th century. Today, the surname Delano can also be found in other parts of the world, including Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia, likely due to migration and global dispersion of families with this name.

Variants and spellings of the last name Delano

The last name Delano has several variations and spellings depending on geographical regions, historical periods, and personal preferences. One common variation is Delanoy, which has been used by some individuals with French ancestry. Others might spell it as Delaune, Delanois, or DeLaunois, reflecting differences in pronunciation and regional dialects. In some cases, the name may be spelled with a hyphen, like De-Lano or de Lano, emphasizing the separation of the syllables. Furthermore, individuals might opt for an anglicized version of the name, such as Delainey or Delaney. Additionally, different cultures and languages may translate or adapt the name, resulting in variations like Delanuca (Italian), Delanovic (Slavic), or Delanotte (French/Belgian). Overall, the name Delano and its variations showcase the diverse ways in which individuals have embraced, transformed, and personalized their ancestral surnames throughout history.

Famous people with the last name Delano

One famous person with the last name Delano is Franklin Delano Roosevelt, commonly known as FDR. He was the 32nd President of the United States, serving from 1933 to 1945. FDR played a crucial role in leading the nation during the Great Depression and World War II. His New Deal policies aimed at economic recovery and reform helped alleviate the social and economic crisis of the era. Roosevelt's strong leadership, optimism, and charismatic personality made him one of the most beloved presidents in American history. Another notable figure with the surname Delano is Sara Delano Roosevelt, FDR's mother. She was known for her strong influence on her son and her active involvement in various charitable activities, making her an influential figure in her own right. With their shared last name, the Delanos have left a lasting impact on American history and politics.

Genealogical research on the last name Delano

The Delano surname has an intriguing genealogical history. Its origins can be traced back to France, specifically to an ancient village called Lalane, in the region of Hautes-Pyrénées. The family name was originally spelled "De la Noye," indicating "from the walnut tree." In the early 17th century, a French Huguenot named Philippe de la Noye decided to flee religious persecution and settled in the Netherlands. He later traveled to England, where his name underwent various changes, ultimately becoming "Delano." It was in England that Philippe's descendants embarked on a significant journey across the Atlantic. One of these descendants, Thomas Delano, migrated to Plymouth, Massachusetts, aboard the ship Fortune in 1621. Over the generations, the Delano family became prominent in America, with notable descendants including President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Today, the Delano name stands as a testament to a rich ancestral heritage, blending French, Dutch, English, and American lineages.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Delano"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 April 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends