Rising since 2001, #4,758 for girls today.
Popularity of Dally since 1995
Babies named Dally per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 20 |
| 2000s | 64 |
| 2010s | 145 |
| 2020s | 115 |
Meaning & origin
Dally is a modern, rare name in the United States, first appearing in official records in 1995. It has seen a steady upward trajectory since 2001, reaching its peak popularity in 2025, when it ranked 4,758th nationwide. The name is given to about 1 in 57,402 newborns, making it an uncommon choice. Its top state of usage is Texas, suggesting a regional preference. As a short, cheerful name ending in the popular 'y' sound, Dally fits contemporary naming trends but remains off the beaten path. Its etymology is uncertain; it may have originated as a nickname for Dallas or a variant of the Irish surname Daley. This ambiguity adds to its appeal for parents seeking a distinctive name with a playful sound.
Dally is a modern name, first recorded in the United States in 1995. It likely originated as a diminutive or pet form of longer names such as Dallas or Daley, or as a creative spelling of the Irish surname Daley, which derives from the Gaelic Ó Dálaigh, meaning 'descendant of Dálach' (meaning 'one who assembles' or 'from the meadow'). Its rise as a given name reflects the trend of short, lively names ending in -y or -ie. Dally remains rare but has been gradually gaining modest popularity since the early 2000s.
Where Dally is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Dal
Sibling names for Dally
Names that share Dally's style, for a brother or sister.
