The name "Darlington" is derived from adding the English suffix "ton" meaning "town" to the name of the range in the area - Darling Range. This range was first named "General Darling Range" by Charles Fraser, Government Botanist with Captain James Stirling in 1827 after the Governor of the parent colony in New South Wales - General Sir Ralph Darling. The name was first used by Dr Alfred Waylen who established the "Darlington Vineyard" here in 1883-4.