Declining since 1999, #448 for boys today.
Popularity of Dalton since 1881
Babies named Dalton per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 25 |
| 1890s | 63 |
| 1900s | 109 |
| 1910s | 778 |
| 1920s | 1,469 |
| 1930s | 1,421 |
| 1940s | 1,252 |
| 1950s | 1,015 |
| 1960s | 831 |
| 1970s | 691 |
| 1980s | 1,573 |
| 1990s | 35,981 |
| 2000s | 26,178 |
| 2010s | 10,533 |
| 2020s | 3,791 |
Meaning & origin
Dalton is an English surname-turned-first-name that peaked in popularity in 1998, ranking as high as number 92 in the 1990s. Since 1999 it has been on a steady decline, falling to 448 in 2025, when roughly 1 in 2,444 newborn boys received the name. The name's top states include Alaska, New Hampshire, and Maine, reflecting its enduring appeal in northern and rural regions. Its roots lie in Old English place names, and it shares stylistic ground with other surname names like Carter and Logan. While its peak has passed, Dalton remains a solid, traditional choice familiar to many.
Dalton is an English surname derived from a place name, combining the Old English dæl 'valley' and tūn 'enclosure, settlement.' It originally referred to someone from one of various places named Dalton, such as those in Lancashire, Yorkshire, and Durham. The name gained popularity as a given name in the late 20th century, particularly in the United States.
Where Dalton 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.
“Dalton” around the world
Where Dalton lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
Ireland
4
babies in 2025
Sources: CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Dal, Dalt
Sibling names for Dalton
Names that share Dalton's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Molly, Emma, Grace, Hannah, Samantha, Harley, Chesney, Maylene, Chesnee, Dalis, Kelbie, Skilar, Daleyssa, Delancey, Saylee
Brothers: Carter, Tyler, Logan, Dylan, Parker, Austin, Chandler, Colt, Dakota, Tanner, Colten, Darien, Kelton, Colston, Courtland, Crawford, Bowman, Brinton, Caldwell, Chastin, Coltan, Hinton, Maclin, Rockford, Whitfield, Coburn, Grayland, Mclain, Tannen, Thaxton, Brentin, Bolton, Branston, Buchanan, Cleburne, Coalton, Jensy, Rushton, Wyler
Names like Dalton
Names whose popularity has moved with Dalton's over the last 50 years.
