The surname of AYLIN was a baptismal name 'the son of Aylwin' an ancient although now forgotten personal name. The name was originally derived from the Old English word AOLING, meaning 'noble' and this word was commonly used as a byname among the Anglo-Saxons before and after the Norman Conquest of 1066. Early records of the name mention Richard Alewyn, County Wiltshire, 1273. Edward Aylinge of Yorkshire, was listed in the Yorkshire Poll Tax of 1379. Reginald Aylweyn was rector of Dickleburgh, County Norfolk, in the year 1394. William Aylwin and Mary Wright were married at St. George's, Hanover Square, London in the year 1769. Originally the coat of arms identified the wearer, either in battle or in tournaments. Completely covered in body and facial armour the knight could be spotted and known by the insignia painted on his shield, and embroidered on his surcoat, the draped garment which enveloped him. Between the 11th and 15th centuries it became customary for surnames to be assumed in Europe, but were not commonplace in England or Scotland before the Norman Conquest of 1066. They are to be found in the Domesday Book of 1086. Those of gentler blood assumed surnames at this time, but it was not until the reign of Edward 11. (1307-1327) that they became common practice amongst all people. Surnames before the Norman Conquest of 1066 were rare in England having been brought by the Normans when William the Conqueror invaded the shores. The practice spread to Scotland and Ireland by the 12th century, and in Wales they appeared as late as the 16th century. Most surnames can be traced to one of four sources, locational, from the occupation of the original bearer, nicknames or simply font names based on the first name of the parent being given as the second name to their child.

The name has many variant spellings which include Aylwyn, Alwin and Alwine.