'darling' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'deorling', where 'deor' meant 'dear' or 'valuable' and the diminutive suffix '-ling' indicated 'little' or 'beloved'.

'darling' changed from the Old English word 'deorling' through Middle English forms such as 'derling' and eventually became the modern English word 'darling'.

Initially, it meant 'little dear' or 'beloved one'; over time it broadened to mean any person or thing regarded with affection and to be used as a term of endearment or address.