The surname is derived from the lands of Auchterlonie near Forfar in Scotland. John of Othirlony exchanged with Walter, son of Turpin his lands of Othirlony, for those of Kenny c. 1226-39. Wauter de Ogtherloveny of the county of Fyfe who rendered homage in 1296 is said in Nisbet to be Auchterlonie of that Ilk.