How to say it
DAL · ton
/ˈdɔːl.tən/
Masculine
Dalton
Valley town
What it means
An English place name and surname meaning 'settlement in the valley,' from dæl plus tun.
Dalton is an English place name turned surname, joining the Old English dæl, 'valley,' to tun, 'town or settlement,' so 'the town in the valley.' Scientist John Dalton, father of atomic theory, lends it some brains, and it fits the sturdy -ton surname set with Colton and Easton. Said DAWL-ton.
Popularity over time
peaked at #85 in 1994, currently #448 in 2025.
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration, names given to at least 5 babies in a year, 1880–present. See where the names are moving
Heads-up notes
- Pop culture
Chemist John Dalton, father of atomic theory.
- Spelling
In the -ton surname family with Colton and Easton.
Who's worn it
Historical figures, characters, and public faces who share the name. The cultural surface, for whatever weight you want to give it.
- John Dalton English chemist who developed modern atomic theory
Spelling variants
- Daulton
- Dallton
Names with the same feeling
See Dalton from another angle
By style