Origin & Meaning of the Dalton Surname
What does the last name Dalton mean?
The surname Dalton carries the meaning "From a town or settlement." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 52,184 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Dalton ranks as the #654 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Dalton come from?
The Dalton surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English 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 Dalton name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Dalton trace back to Old English. 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 | Dalton |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a town or settlement |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #654 |
| US Count (2010) | 52,184 |
| Per 100K People | 17.69 |
| First Letter | D |
Ethnic Distribution of Dalton
According to the US Census, the Dalton surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 52,184 Americans with the Dalton last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 86.84% |
| Black | 7.71% |
| Hispanic | 2.32% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.57% |
| Native American | 0.67% |
| Two or More Races | 1.87% |
Popularity of Dalton Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Dalton surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Dalton surname increased by 2,018 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other English Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Dalton
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