Alington

Alington is a surname that originated from a place name in England. It is derived from the Old English elements 'Ælla' (a personal name), '-ing' (meaning 'people of' or 'descendants of'), and 'tun' (meaning 'settlement' or 'enclosure'). Therefore, it literally means 'settlement of Ælla's people'. The name would have been adopted by individuals who came from one of the various places named Allington or Alington in England.

Over time, like many English surnames, Alington transitioned into use as a given name, though it remains significantly more common as a surname. Its use as a given name is rare and typically found in English-speaking countries, often as a way to honor a family surname or a place of origin. Its unisex usage is a modern development, reflecting a trend of using surnames as first names for both genders.