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.
How to spell Dalton
The standard spelling is Dalton. Common variants include Daulton, Dallton, but Dalton is the most widely used form.
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, 1880–2025. Reviewed July 2026. 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
Common questions
- What does the name Dalton mean?
- An English place name and surname meaning 'settlement in the valley,' from dæl plus tun.
- What does Dalton mean in English?
- In English, Dalton means "Valley town." 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.
- How do you pronounce Dalton?
- Dalton is pronounced ˈdɔːl.tən. Say it as DAL-ton, with the stress on the "dal" syllable.
- How do you spell Dalton?
- The standard spelling is Dalton. Common spelling variants include Daulton, Dallton.
- Is Dalton a boy or girl name?
- Dalton is traditionally a masculine name.
- How popular is the name Dalton?
- Dalton ranked #448 in the U.S. in 2025, according to Social Security Administration data.