Delano

Delano is a name associated with several geographic locations, a prominent American family, and various cultural references. The name originates from the French‑Italian surname Dela Noë, which was Anglicized in the United States during the colonial period. Members of the Delano family were early settlers in New England, and the name became linked with numerous places and institutions.

In the United States, Delano designates several municipalities. Delano, California, located in Kern County, developed as a railroad hub in the early 20th century and later became known for its agricultural production, particularly grapes and citrus. The city’s historic downtown features Art Deco architecture and a museum that chronicles local mining and oil history. Delano, Minnesota, is a small city in Wright County, originally founded as a railway station and today noted for its agricultural surroundings and community events such as the annual Delano Gathering. Other towns bearing the name include Delano, Tennessee, and Delano, Massachusetts, each reflecting the broader pattern of naming settlements after early landowners or influential families.

The Delano surname entered national prominence through individuals such as Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the 32nd President of the United States, whose middle name honored his mother’s family lineage. Earlier, the philanthropist and merchant Warren Delano Jr. and his son, Charles Delano, contributed to trade and politics in the 19th century. The Delano name also appears in popular culture, notably in the 1979 film “The In-Laws,” where the character Sam Delano is a central figure. Overall, Delano functions as both a place name and a familial identifier, reflecting a legacy that spans American history, geography, and cultural expression.