This page needs Javascript enabled in order to work properly. Click here for instructions on how to enable it in your browser.
Surname Header Image
Get access to Donlen family records.Start a 14-Day Free Trial

Donlen Family History

Donlen Surname Meaning

Historically, surnames evolved as a way to sort people into groups - by occupation, place of origin, clan affiliation, patronage, parentage, adoption, and even physical characteristics (like red hair). Many of the modern surnames in the dictionary can be traced back to Britain and Ireland.


Similar surnames: Dolen, Donlon, Donley, Dowlen, Doolen, Donlin, Donlan, Nolen, Dole

Search for a relative to learn more about your family history.

Hint: Try searching for a relative alive in 1940.

Where is the Donlen family from?

You can see how Donlen families moved over time by selecting different census years. The Donlen family name was found in the USA, Canada, and Scotland between 1851 and 1920. The most Donlen families were found in USA in 1880. In 1851 there were 2 Donlen families living in Angus. This was 100% of all the recorded Donlen's in Scotland. Angus had the highest population of Donlen families in 1851.
Use census records and voter lists to see where families with the Donlen surname lived. Within census records, you can often find information like name of household members, ages, birthplaces, residences, and occupations.
  • 1851
  • 1861
  • 1871
  • 1881
Mapbox
© Mapbox © OpenStreetMap Improve this map

What did your Donlen ancestors do for a living?

In 1940, Laborer and Teacher were the top reported jobs for men and women in the USA named Donlen. 43% of Donlen men worked as a Laborer and 43% of Donlen women worked as a Teacher. Some less common occupations for Americans named Donlen were Miner and Clerk.

View Census Data for Donlen | Data not to scale

*We display top occupations by gender to maintain their historical accuracy during times when men and women often performed different jobs.

United States shown, England data unavailable

Top Male Occupations In 1940

  • Laborer
    43%
  • Un Employed
    15%
  • Farming
    15%
  • Miner
    15%

Top Female Occupations In 1940

  • Teacher
    43%
  • Packer
    29%
  • Clerk
    29%

What Donlen family records will you find?

Census Records

There are 1,000 census records available for the last name Donlen. Like a window into their day-to-day life, Donlen census records can tell you where and how your ancestors worked, their level of education, veteran status, and more.

Search UK census records for Donlen

Passenger Lists

There are 155 immigration records available for the last name Donlen. Passenger lists are your ticket to knowing when your ancestors arrived in the UK, and how they made the journey - from the ship name to ports of arrival and departure.

View all Donlen immigration records

Draft Cards

There are 130 military records available for the last name Donlen. For the veterans among your Donlen ancestors, military collections provide insights into where and when they served, and even physical descriptions.

View all Donlen military records

You've only scratched the surface of Donlen family history

Discover More

What is the average Donlen lifespan?

Between 1963 and 2003, in the United States, Donlen life expectancy was at its lowest point in 1968, and highest in 1963. The average life expectancy for Donlen in 1963 was 82, and 71 in 2003.

View Social Security Death Index (SSDI) for Donlen

An unusually short lifespan might indicate that your Donlen ancestors lived in harsh conditions. A short lifespan might also indicate health problems that were once prevalent in your family. The SSDI is a searchable database of more than 70 million names. You can find birthdates, death dates, addresses and more.

Discover the unique achievements of ancestors in the Donlen family tree

Explore Your Tree
Search for another surname
Enter last name/surname
Start a 14-Day Free Trial