The family probably originated from Pomerania, but in the beginning of the 15th century moved to Livonia. The first historical account of this family dates to 1290, when Johannes de Pala was Vogt at Turaida.
By a decision of the Russian Empire in 1755 and 1865, most of the other members of the Pahlen family received the Russian baronial rank. Members of the branches with Russian baronial titles also live in Sweden, and they form part of the unintroduced nobility.
Count Paul Karl Ernst Wilhelm Philipp von der Pahlen (Pavel Petrovich, 1775–1834), Russian General of Cavalry, hero of the Patriotic War of 1812; son of Paul Ludwig
Baron Hans von der Palen (1740-1817), colonel, Russian statesman; brother of Pyotr Alexeyvich
Count Magnus Konstantin Ferdinand von der Pahlen (Konstantin Ivanovich; 1833–1912), Russian statesman, hero of the Siege of Sevastopol (1854–1855), Pskov governor, Russian minister for justice (1867–1878); grandson of Pyotr Alexeyevich
Count Konstantin Johann Georg von der Pahlen (Konstantin Konstantinovich; 1861–1923), statesman, Privy Councillor, senator, Governor of Vilnius
Families that have been included in Kalender öfver i Sverige lefvande ointroducerad adel (1886–1899), Sveriges ointroducerade adels kalender (1912–1944) and/or Kalender över Ointroducerad adels förening (1935–)