Dalton

Origin

Old English, from Old English elements 'dæl' meaning 'valley' and 'tún' meaning 'farmstead' or 'settlement'. The name appears in medieval English records, notably as the surname in North East England, and has been adopted as a given name. It has no direct Aboriginal or Māori origins.

Meaning

'Valley town' or 'settlement in the valley', evoking a picturesque or rustic image. In Australian context, it often connotes strength, stability, and natural beauty.

Pronunciation

/ˈdæl.tən/ (Australian English pronunciation typically stresses the first syllable, with the 'a' as in 'cat' and a soft 't' sound, ending with a schwa or unstressed 'n')

Variants & Nicknames

Name Days

• 13 October (United Kingdom and Australia; optional observance)
• No specific traditional name days in Australian cultural calendar, but some Christian calendars recognize 13 October for Saint Edward the Confessor, which is occasionally acknowledged.
• 25 December (Christmas) often informally celebrated with family gatherings.

Name Pairings

Names that pair well with dalton:

• James and Henry
• Oliver and Ethan
• George and William
• Liam and Noah (for balanced sibling names)

Fun Facts

• Dalton is also a surname with notable Australian figures, including the Dalton family from New South Wales.
• The name appears in Australian literature, referencing rural settings and historical families.
• Famous Australian actor George Dalton increased the name's popularity slightly in the mid-20th century.

Personality Traits

Common traits associated with the name dalton:

• Reliable
• Strong-willed
• Traditional
• Grounded

Aesthetic Qualities

Classic, sturdy, and visually balanced; the name has a solid typographic presence with symmetrical syllables, fitting well in both informal and formal contexts.

Geographical Distribution

More common in rural and regional areas of New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland, where English heritage names maintain stronger traditions, but also found throughout urban centres.

Numerological Significance

Number 3, associated with creativity, communication, and sociability, suggesting an expressive and engaging personality in numerology interpretations.

Astrological Connections

No specific zodiac associations, but can be linked to the Sun (Leo, 23 July–22 August) for traits of confidence and leadership, or Capricorn (22 December–19 January) for resilience and practicality.

Historical Context

The name has been borne by notable Australians such as Dalton Trumbo, a film producer and screenwriter, and has cultural ties to rural Australian communities named Dalton or with family histories tracing back to early English settlers.

Linguistic Adaptability

The name is adaptable across English-speaking countries and is less commonly altered in spelling but may appear as 'Dalten' or 'Daltun' in certain records.

Famous People Named dalton

• Dalton Trumbo (Screenwriter and Director)
• Dalton Cardoso (Australian footballer)
• Sir Dalton Goodall (Businessman)

Popularity in Australia