Declining since 1985, #1,409 for boys today.
Popularity of Dale since 1881
Babies named Dale per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1880s | 13 | 121 |
| 1890s | 80 | 281 |
| 1900s | 118 | 672 |
| 1910s | 459 | 8,218 |
| 1920s | 791 | 22,752 |
| 1930s | 1,456 | 32,536 |
| 1940s | 5,586 | 46,815 |
| 1950s | 8,641 | 75,567 |
| 1960s | 3,029 | 50,423 |
| 1970s | 850 | 18,065 |
| 1980s | 436 | 10,487 |
| 1990s | 265 | 6,213 |
| 2000s | 105 | 3,629 |
| 2010s | 39 | 1,593 |
| 2020s | 19 | 784 |
Meaning & origin
Dale is a straightforward English name derived from the Old English word for valley, originally a surname before becoming a popular given name. Its peak popularity came in 1958, when it ranked 67th, reflecting mid-century American naming trends. The name has been in steady decline since 1985, and by 2025 it ranked 1,409, given to about 1 in 13,241 boys. Dale is particularly common in states like Michigan, Utah, and Missouri. While its usage has waned, it retains a simple, natural appeal that may attract parents looking for classic, understated names.
Dale is derived from the Old English word "dæl," meaning a valley or dale. It originated as a topographic surname for someone who lived in or near a valley. As a given name, it became popular in the 19th and 20th centuries, particularly in the United States, where it was a common choice for boys in the mid-1900s.
Where Dale is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Dale
Names that share Dale's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: June, Faye, Ruth, Mae, Jean, Gail, Kay, Afton, Deena, Dena, Dionne, Janeen, Karyl, Marcene, Marla, Nadene, Saundra, Twyla, Bari, Dalene, Dawne, Dayle, Dede, Earleen, Gaylene, Julene, Karleen, Karlene, Loralee, Lynetta, Merlene, Raylene, Sharlyn, Shirlene, Spring, Willene, Ardene, Daila, Dalana, Dalett, Daun, Daylene, Deadra, Deatra, Deette, Dene, Deniece, Drenda, Dyane, Dyann, Gaila, Gaile, Genea, Ginelle, Jodene, Linell, Lorre, Revonda, Rolinda, Shalene, Shelda, Terre, Valene, Aldene, Conda, Crystale, Dalena, Danene, Darah, Darleene, Dauna, Daune, Davonna, Delbra, Dennette, Dodi, Gearldean, Gerlene, Jearlene, Kerith, Korene, Ladene, Laretha, Larna, Lavita, Lyne, Norlene, Okie, Ralene, Shar, Shere, Sherl, Sonda, Wannetta, Wylene, Avonne, Karolee, Nellene, Daleen, Dalyce, Danean, Danine, Darsi, Datha, Dorthia, Fayne, Glendia, Harla, Joleene, Kare, Karn, Lagena, Lind, Loanne, Lorrinda, Marvalene, Merleen, Reene, Rolene, Roxene, Royann, Rudean, Veleka
Brothers: Glen, Dean, Roy, Lloyd, Earl, Cary, Lyle, Boone, Curt, Darl, Elden, Merle, Monte, Vance, Burke, Cache, Cy, Dain, Dawayne, Deane, Del, Dyan, Faron, Gaylen, Gaylon, Graig, Kimball, Kirt, Ladd, Lyndell, Mace, Tanis, Dade, Daiel, Dail, Daman, Darcell, Dewane, Doni, Gaylan, Gleen, Glendell, Hill, Jearl, Kenn, Kort, Lyndal, Stonewall, Audel, Brae, Carr, Clif, Darol, Darryle, Deano, Deone, Dewight, Doral, Dyon, Gar, Lynnwood, Shadd, Tell, Diron, Carols, Donney, Dorell, Gaylin, Glendel, Guinn, Marv, Sedale, Severn, Tip
Names like Dale
Names whose popularity has moved with Dale's over the last 50 years.
