Dalton
/ˈdɔːl.tən/
Dalton originated as an English surname from the Old English elements dæl (“valley”) and tūn (“settlement”), describing a town situated in a valley.
The Dalton Gang - outlaw brothers in 1890s Oklahoma - gave the surname a rugged American identity. As a first name, Dalton gained serious traction in the 1980s and 1990s.
The name peaked at No. 85 in 1994 with 4,245 births - a top-100 position. By 2024, Dalton has fallen to No. 432 with 729 births.
What the name Dalton means
Patrick Swayze’s character Dalton in Road House (1989) contributed to the name’s 1990s surge. Scientist John Dalton, father of atomic theory, gives it an intellectual connection.
Two syllables - DAHL-tun - are solid and unpretentious. The open first vowel and crisp stop consonant make it sound rooted and reliable.
Dalton fits the surname-as-first-name pattern alongside Colton, Clayton, and Ashton. Its Western imagery still resonates in rural communities.
Though well off its 1990s peak, Dalton remains inside the top 500 - a durable choice that avoids both obscurity and overexposure.
US popularity over time
Numerology and symbolism
Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.
Famous people named Dalton
Dalton - similar names
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