Dale Unisex

Popularity: #775 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

PronunciationDAYL / /deɪl/

English; Old English

Meaning

valley; dweller in the valley

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Dale has its roots in Old English, where it referred to a valley or a dale. It was used as a surname before becoming a given name. The name has been popular in English-speaking countries and is often associated with rural landscapes. It has also been used in various literary works and songs.

Trend Summary

The name Dale has seen fluctuating popularity in the United States, peaking in the mid-20th century.

Similar Names

DaleenDalonDalenDaxDaneDamonDavisDarinDerekDustin

Variants

  • Dalen
  • Dail

International Variants

  • Dale (Spanish)
  • Dale (Norwegian)

Famous people named Dale

Dale Carnegie was an American writer and lecturer known for his self-improvement courses.

Dale Earnhardt was a famous American NASCAR driver, celebrated for his achievements in motorsport.

Dale Chihuly is an American glass artist recognized for his innovative glass sculptures.

Dale Murphy is a former professional baseball player, known for his time with the Atlanta Braves.

Fictional characters named Dale

Dale Gribble is a character from the animated television series 'King of the Hill', known for his conspiracy theories.

Dale Cooper is a character from the television series 'Twin Peaks', serving as an FBI agent investigating mysterious events.

Sibling Suggestions

KyleGaleNateJakeTroyShane

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Dale was first seen in the United States in 1881. Dale has ranked as high as #93 nationally, which occurred in 1958, and has been most popular in Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, California, and Illinois. In the past 5 years the name Dale has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Dale (2024)

StateBirthsShare
OH 14
17%
TX 12
15%
FL 9
11%
PA 8
10%
MI 7
9%
NC 6
7%
WA 6
7%
VA 5
6%
GA 5
6%
IN 5
6%
WI 5
6%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
18816
18827
188311
188410
188525
188617
188711
188815
188919
189014
189117
189222
189318
189428
189526
189636
189739
189840
189941
190054
190140
190263
190356
190453
190565
190666
190773
1908100
1909102
1910125
1911150
1912371
1913472
1914691
19151,081
19161,161
19171,248
19181,491
19191,428
19201,680
19211,956
19222,041
19232,172
19242,396
19252,302
19262,398
19272,503
19282,640
19292,664
19302,994
19313,008
19323,140
19332,925
19343,241
19353,273
19363,394
19373,340
19383,690
19393,531
19403,699
19413,790
19423,864
19434,234
19443,990
19453,957
19465,024
19475,936
19486,089
19496,229
19506,787
19516,964
19527,415
19537,349
19547,439
19557,182
19567,720
19577,865
19588,503
19598,343
19607,675
19617,192
19626,367
19635,695
19645,161
19654,397
19663,985
19673,536
19683,257
19693,155
19703,003
19712,546
19722,062
19731,801
19741,688
19751,528
19761,480
19771,360
19781,324
19791,274
19801,237
19811,248
19821,132
19831,096
19841,031
19851,093
1986980
1987931
1988883
1989855
1990907
1991759
1992703
1993641
1994650
1995570
1996555
1997503
1998483
1999442
2000407
2001612
2002466
2003408
2004353
2005323
2006289
2007284
2008261
2009225
2010190
2011166
2012165
2013146
2014181
2015177
2016173
2017150
2018127
2019118
2020131
2021130
2022114
2023129
2024149