Dale – Name Meaning
The name Dale is of English origin and is derived from the Old English word “dael” which means “valley”. It is a unisex name, meaning it can be used for both boys and girls.
History and Origin
The name Dale has been around since the Middle Ages, when it was used as a surname. It was first recorded in England in 1273, when a man named Robert de Dael was mentioned in the Hundred Rolls of Norfolk. The name then began to be used as a given name in the 19th century, likely due to its pleasant sound and association with nature.
Popularity
In the United States, Dale has been a popular name since the early 1900s. It peaked in popularity during the 1950s and 1960s, but has since declined in usage. In 2019, it ranked #1,845 on the Social Security Administration’s list of most popular baby names.
Famous People Named Dale
There are many famous people who have borne the name Dale, including:
- Dale Earnhardt Sr., legendary NASCAR driver
- Dale Chihuly, American glass sculptor
- Dale Carnegie, author of How to Win Friends and Influence People
- Dale Murphy, former Major League Baseball player
- Dale Evans, singer and actress best known for her role in The Roy Rogers Show
Variations of the Name
The name Dale can also be spelled as Dail or Dayle. There are also several variations of the name that have different origins, such as Dalen (Scandinavian), Dallin (Irish) and Dalon (Welsh).
