Origin & Meaning of the Dahl Surname
What does the last name Dahl mean?
The surname Dahl carries the meaning "Valley." It is derived from the Old Norse language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 21,598 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Dahl ranks as the #1,669 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Dahl come from?
The Dahl surname has its roots in Scandinavian heritage. Names of Scandinavian origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Dahl name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Dahl trace back to Old Norse. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Dahl |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Valley |
| Origin | Scandinavian |
| Language | Old Norse |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,669 |
| US Count (2010) | 21,598 |
| Per 100K People | 7.32 |
| First Letter | D |
Ethnic Distribution of Dahl
According to the US Census, the Dahl surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 21,598 Americans with the Dahl last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 94.45% |
| Black | 0.51% |
| Hispanic | 2.04% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.75% |
| Native American | 0.66% |
| Two or More Races | 1.58% |
Popularity of Dahl Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Dahl surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Dahl surname increased by 982 between 2000 and 2010.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Dahl
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