Dahl

♂ Boy

Pronounced DAHL /ˈdɑl/Low

Meaning: Dahl is a Scandinavian surname turned given name, from the Old Norse dalr, 'valley' or 'dale' - a topographic name for someone who lived by a valley. Common as a family name in Norway and Sweden, it appears sparingly as a first name in American records, borne with a crisp, single-syllable snap.Low

In 30 seconds: Dahl is a rare American boy's name, a Scandinavian surname from the Old Norse for 'valley' or 'dale.' Its small peak came around 1940 (said DAHL).

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Origin LowNorse

MeaningDahl is a Scandinavian surname turned given name, from the Old Norse dalr, 'valley' or 'dale' - a topographic name for someone who lived by a valley. Common as a family name in Norway and Sweden, it appears sparingly as a first name in American records, borne with a crisp, single-syllable snap.

U.S. rank (1963)#4166 ↘ Falling

1963 U.S. births5 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1940

Total births (all-time)≈ 147

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Dahl is a Scandinavian surname from the Old Norse dalr, 'valley' or 'dale,' used sparingly as an American given name. Its meaning is the plain landscape word behind countless Nordic family names.

It was never common, given to only about fifteen boys a year even at its peak around 1940, and it stayed rare. A boy named Dahl then would be a grandfather or great-grandfather today.

Did you know? Dahl means simply 'valley' - an Old Norse word for the dweller by a dale - and is far better known as a Scandinavian surname than as a first name.

Overall data confidence 40%

References - Dahl — Scandinavian surname from Old Norse dalr 'valley/dale'; rare given-name use.

Variations

DahleDalDaleDahlberg

Nicknames

Dahly

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Dahl…

Dale— the English 'valley' name it echoes

Dahlia— a like Dahl-sounding name (from the same surname family)

Cole— a like crisp one-syllable boy's name

Hale— another short landscape-flavored boy's name

Explore names like Dahl

By themerare norse surname

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Dahl mean?

It is a Scandinavian surname name from the Old Norse dalr, 'valley' or 'dale.'

How do you pronounce Dahl?

It is said DAHL /ˈdɑl/ - one syllable.

Is Dahl a boy or girl name?

Dahl is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Dahl?

It has always been rare in the United States, given to only about fifteen boys a year even at its peak around the mid-twentieth century.