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Dalton

♂ Boy

Pronounced DAWL-tun /ˈdɔːl.tən/High

Meaning: English surname from an Old English place name combining 'dæl' (valley) and 'tun' (settlement, town), meaning 'settlement in the valley'; transferred to first-name useHigh

In 30 seconds: Dalton is a rugged, outdoorsy surname name with Old English roots meaning 'valley town.' It has a distinctly American frontier feel and has been a steady choice for boys since the 1980s.
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Origin HighEnglish
MeaningEnglish surname from an Old English place name combining 'dæl' (valley) and 'tun' (settlement, town), meaning 'settlement in the valley'; transferred to first-name use
U.S. rank (2025)#448 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births699 boys (0.04% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1998
Total births (all-time)≈ 85,702

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 199818812025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Dalton is an English surname derived from an Old English place name combining dæl (valley) and tun (settlement or town), meaning 'settlement in the valley.' Such topographic surnames were common throughout England and transferred to the New World with early settlers. John Dalton (1766–1844), the English chemist who developed atomic theory, is among its most famous bearers.

As a first name, Dalton gained steady use in the United States through the 20th century, fitting within the American tradition of sturdy surname names. It has a Western, outdoorsy quality that appeals to parents who want something traditional yet not overused. The name has been in the U.S. top 200 at various points since the 1980s.

Did you know? The Dalton Gang — a notorious outlaw group in 1890s Kansas — helped cement Dalton as an Old West name in American cultural memory, while scientist John Dalton's atomic theory gave it an intellectual dimension as well.
Overall data confidence 92%
Behind the Name — Dalton — etymology and historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

DaltenDaulton

Nicknames

DalDalt

Famous Bearers

  • ★John Dalton (1766–1844)
    English chemist who developed atomic theory in the early 19th century

If you like Dalton…

Colton— shares the -ton suffix and the same rugged American surname feel
Sutton— another -ton place name surname with the same frontier energy
Weston— shares the geographic surname structure and Western American feel
Easton— same -ton pattern and the same sturdy, masculine appeal

Frequently Asked

What does Dalton mean?

Dalton is an English surname from an Old English place name meaning 'settlement in the valley,' combining 'dæl' (valley) and 'tun' (town).

How do you pronounce Dalton?

Dalton is pronounced DAWL-tun /ˈdɔːl.tən/ — two syllables with stress on the first.

Is Dalton a popular boys' name?

Dalton has been a consistent top-200 boys' name in the U.S. at various points since the 1980s, with a sturdy, Western character.

What is the origin of the name Dalton?

Dalton is an English topographic surname transferred to first-name use, originating from Old English words meaning valley and settlement.