Dale
Dale is an English name derived from the Old English word 'dæl' meaning 'valley.' Originally used as a surname for those who lived in or near a valley, it became a popular given name in the 20th century.
Current Popularity
#1410 for boys
in the United States (2025)
Popularity over time
Good to Know
- •Simple, one-syllable name that's easy to spell and pronounce
- •Has a friendly, approachable quality with nature-inspired roots
- •Popular mid-century choice that feels both retro and timeless
- •Works well as both first and middle name
Similar Names
Famous People
Dale Earnhardt
NASCAR racing legend
Dale Carnegie
Self-improvement author and lecturer
Dale Cooper
Fictional FBI agent from 'Twin Peaks'
Dale Chihuly
Glass sculptor and artist
Statistics
278,156
Total births since 1880
1958
Peak year
Discovery
Keep browsing
Rising now
Browse trending names
Names that climbed the most between 2020 and 2025.
Always popular
Explore timeless classics
Names that have sat in the top 50 for decades.
For this gender
See all-time favorites
The most common names since 1880, by total births.
Stories
Read famous-name profiles
How well-known people changed the names they carried.
Guides
Browse recent articles
Recent articles on naming trends.