The surname Devlin is of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic O'Doibhilin sept. It is anglicized form of the Gaelic name Ó Dobhailéin, meaning "descendant of Dobhailéan, " which is likely derived from a diminutive of dobhail, meaning "unlucky" or "unfortunate. " The name has been associated with various locations in Ireland, including County Tyrone and County Sligo. Over time, the use of the name has evolved, with the prefix "O" becoming less common in modern times. The name is significant due to its historical roots and notable figures such as Anne Devlin, who remained loyal to Robert Emmet despite imprisonment and torture.
