What does Dala mean and where does it come from?
The name Dala is derived from the Swedish word 'dal' which means 'valley'. It is commonly associated with the Dalarna region in Sweden, known for its stunning landscapes. In Arabic culture, Dala can imply a connection to water sources, which reflects the importance of water in both physical and spir
Cultural significance
Dala has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Sweden-speaking communities, where it reflects values of swedish.
Peak popularity
Reached #3050 in 1951 — currently #1933 in the US.
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Related Reading
Sweden-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Dala?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Dala?
Dala works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Dala Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Dala Rose
Floral · soft ending
Dala Claire
French influence · crisp
Dala Jane
Literary · strong
Dala Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Dala right now?
Holding steady — currently #1933 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1933 | 267 | ▲ up 5 · +8% births |
| 2022 | #1938 | 247 | ▲ up 5 · +14% births |
| 2021 | #1943 | 217 | ▲ up 13186 · +3517% births |
| 2010 | #15129 | 6 | ▼ down 1480 · +20% births |
| 1995 | #13649 | 5 | ▼ down 429 |
| 1990 | #13220 | 5 | ▼ down 2285 |
| 1985 | #10935 | 5 | ▼ down 3641 · -17% births |
| 1970 | #7294 | 6 | ▼ down 2963 · -40% births |
| 1965 | #4331 | 10 | ▲ up 630 · +25% births |
| 1960 | #4961 | 8 | ▲ up 515 · +33% births |
| 1955 | #5476 | 6 | ▼ down 2304 · -50% births |
| 1950 | #3172 | 12 | ▲ up 1742 · +100% births |
| 1920 | #4914 | 6 | — |
The story of Dala
Dala entered American naming records in 1920 and has been in use for over 104 years. With 274 total births recorded, Dala remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4914 in 1920 to #1933 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Dala in 1951:
Dala by decade
Dala peaked in the 1950s. See all 1950s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1920s | 12 | |
| 1950s ★ | 82 | |
| 1960s | 64 | |
| 1970s | 33 | |
| 1980s | 36 | |
| 1990s | 20 | |
| 2000s | 16 | |
| 2010s | 11 | |
💎Dala has only 274 total recorded births since 1920 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Dala?
What names sound and feel like Dala?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Dala also consider these
Common questions about the name Dala
What does the name Dala mean?
Dala means "Swedish" — a name rooted in Sweden tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Dala?
Dala is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Dala?
Dala originates from Sweden tradition. Sweden names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Dala?
Dala is a three-syllable name pronounced D AA1 L AA1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Dala?
Dala pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Sweden heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.