What does Dalton mean and where does it come from?
Dalton is traditionally a male name but has seen usage for females as well. It is derived from the Old English words 'dael' meaning 'valley' and 'tun' meaning 'town or estate'. The name was originally a surname and is considered relatively popular in both the UK and the US. Notable figures with this
Cultural significance
Dalton has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of english.
Peak popularity
Reached #3792 in 1995 — currently #513 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Dalton?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Dalton?
Dalton works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Dalton Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Dalton Rose
Floral · soft ending
Dalton Mae
Sweet · timeless
Dalton Claire
French influence · crisp
Dalton Jane
Literary · strong
Dalton Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Dalton right now?
Holding steady — currently #513 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #513 | 581 | ▲ up 3 · +1% births |
| 2022 | #516 | 573 | ▲ up 3 · +1% births |
| 2021 | #519 | 565 | ▲ up 10486 · +6963% births |
| 2020 | #11005 | 8 | ▲ up 6009 · +60% births |
| 2010 | #17014 | 5 | ▼ down 12359 · -80% births |
| 2000 | #4655 | 25 | ▼ down 863 · -11% births |
| 1995 | #3792 | 28 | ▲ up 9216 · +460% births |
| 1990 | #13008 | 5 | ▼ down 8755 |
| 1935 | #4253 | 5 | — |
The story of Dalton
Dalton entered American naming records in 1916 and has been in use for over 108 years. A total of 82,915 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4253 in 1935 to #513 in 2023. Dalton is used for both genders: 0% female and 100% male.
Names that peaked alongside Dalton in 1995:
Dalton by decade
Dalton peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 25 | |
| 1890s | 63 | |
| 1900s | 109 | |
| 1910s | 783 | |
| 1920s | 1,484 | |
| 1930s | 1,425 | |
| 1940s | 1,251 | |
| 1950s | 1,016 | |
| 1960s | 832 | |
| 1970s | 695 | |
| 1980s | 1,591 | |
| 1990s ★ | 36,163 | |
| 2000s | 26,306 | |
| 2010s | 10,535 | |
| 2020s | 637 | |
What are good nicknames for Dalton?
What names sound and feel like Dalton?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Dalton also consider these
Common questions about the name Dalton
What does the name Dalton mean?
Dalton means "English" — a name rooted in American 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 Dalton?
Dalton is currently ranked #513 as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Dalton?
Dalton originates from American tradition. American 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 Dalton?
Dalton is a two-syllable name pronounced D AO1 L T AH0 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Dalton more of a girl or boy name?
Dalton is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.