DALE

Origin and etymology In historic texts In the 1881 census Distribution map

Dale

Origin and Meaning Dale is a British surname of Old English origin. It is derived from the word "dæl," meaning a valley. The name was originally used to describe someone who lived in or near a valley, indicating their place of residence.

History The surname Dale has ancient roots in England, dating back to the early medieval period. It was likely used as a topographic name to identify individuals based on their geographical location. Over the centuries, the surname has been passed down through generations, evolving with the changing linguistic and cultural landscape of Britain.

Distribution The surname Dale is relatively common in regions across the United Kingdom, particularly in England. It can be found in various counties, with concentrations in Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Derbyshire. The dispersion of the name can be attributed to historical patterns of migration and settlement within the country.

Notable Individuals

  • Sir Henry Hallett Dale (1875-1968): A renowned British pharmacologist and physiologist, Sir Henry Dale was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1936 for his work on the chemical transmission of nerve impulses.
  • Jim Dale (b. 1935): A versatile British actor, singer, and writer, Jim Dale is known for his roles in theatre, film, and television. He gained international fame for his portrayal of the character R.J. Fletcher in the "Carry On" film series.

Variants and Derivatives Variants of the surname Dale include Dales and Daile, among others. These variations may have emerged over time as the name underwent phonetic changes or regional dialectal influences.

Legacy The surname Dale continues to be borne by individuals around the world, maintaining a connection to their English heritage. Whether as a reminder of ancestral lineage or simply as a part of contemporary identity, the name Dale endures as a symbol of familial history and tradition.

There are approximately 23,542 people named Dale in the UK. That makes it the 354th most common surname in Britain. Around 362 in a million people in Britain are named Dale.

Surname type: Location or geographical feature

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Christopher
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Robert
  • Stephen

Female

  • Anne
  • Christine
  • Elizabeth
  • Jennifer
  • Karen
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Nicola
  • Patricia
  • Rebecca
  • Sarah
  • Susan

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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