Boy · 50th of 7,552
Dale
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
299,900
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1958
Peak Popularity Year
9,088
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Dale stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
Dale originates from Old English, meaning 'valley.' It evolved through the language as dael in Old English and later became dale in Middle English. The name is associated with natural landscapes, reflecting a tranquil character. There is no biblical relevance. It gained popularity in the 19th century and is currently viewed as a classic name. Notable people with this name include Dale Carnegie and Dale Earnhardt.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/deɪl/
Origin
Old English
Etymology
The name Dale is derived from the Old English word 'dael,' meaning 'valley.' It was used as a topographical surname for someone who lived in or near a valley.
Meaning
valley
Language Evolution
Old English: dael, Middle English: dale, Modern English: Dale
Historical Usage
The name Dale gained popularity as both a surname and a given name in England during the 19th century, particularly in rural areas.
Variants & Derivatives
Dail, Dalen
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Dale is perceived as a classic and traditional name, often associated with a sense of nature and tranquility due to its meaning.
Famous People
Dale Carnegie, an American writer and lecturer known for his self-improvement courses., Dale Earnhardt, a renowned American NASCAR driver.
Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Explore popularity by location
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 9,088 peak births in 1958
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in South Dakota
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 14 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 4 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Full popularity table across American generations 14 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 106th of 7545 | 26,284 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 65th of 6773 | 61,374 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 50th of 7552 | 130,935 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 124th of 10718 | 37,633 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 275th of 16616 | 14,034 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 637th of 24088 | 5,577 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 1300th of 23106 | 1,725 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 877th of 9107 | 1,197 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 474th of 9204 | 3,988 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 329th of 12526 | 13,895 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 1045th of 19264 | 1,889 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 2898th of 27321 | 596 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 9933rd of 35406 | 160 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 15866th of 30306 | 48 |