Surname Dale - Meaning and Origin
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Decoding Identity & Heritage through iGENEA DNA Test: A voyage with the Dale Surname
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V. Dale
read moreDale: What does the surname Dale mean?
The last name Dale is derived from Old English "dael" which means "valley". It is a geographical or topographical surname, given to someone who lived in or near a valley. The name has its roots in northern England and Scotland, where there are several areas named "Dale". The usage of Dale as a surname dates back to the early Middle Ages in the British Isles. Dale is a fairly common surname and some notable people with this surname include actor Alan Dale, footballer Kenny Dale, and comedian Jim Dale. Variations of the name include Daile, Dail, Dales, and Dall. It is also occasionally used as a first name, popularized by the fictional character Dale Cooper from the TV series "Twin Peaks".
Order DNA origin analysisDale: Where does the name Dale come from?
The last name Dale is of Old English origin and it primarily refers to geographical locations. Derived from the Old English term 'dael,' it translates to 'valley.' Thus, it was typically given to individuals living in or near a valley. Over time, it took the form of a surname.
It is widely dispersed, but is predominantly found in Northern England, acknowledging the numerous valleys in that region. Additionally, it is quite common in Scandinavian areas, such as Denmark and Norway, where it's often spelt as 'Dahl'.
Today, Dale is commonly encountered across the English-speaking world, predominantly in England, United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. It is also found in South Africa due to English influences. It's worth noting that its distribution is influenced by migration and settlement patterns, so the name can be found in regions far beyond its original geographical roots.
Variations of the surname Dale
The surname Dale is of English origin and has multiple variants and spellings throughout history due to regional dialects and phonetic spelling. Some of these include Dael, Dal, Daley, Dele, and Dyle. Other variants may be Dalman, Dole, and Dhill. It is also found as a common element in names like Middledale, Suddale or Hesleden.
A few common surnames which may share the same or similar origin, being derived from Old English 'dael' meaning 'valley', are Dales, Dalley, and Dalling. Dale can also be found as the first element in an inherited surname, such as Dalewood and Dalebrook, which suggests a locational origin.
In Scandinavian countries, the surname 'Dal' is commonly found, which is equivalent to 'Dale' and refers to someone living in a valley. Similarly, in Germany, the surname 'Thal' or 'Tal' is used, which translates to 'valley'.
Surname distribution maps indicate a high concentration of the surname Dale in Northern England, specifically Yorkshire, offering guidance for genealogical research. However, due to migrations and displacements, Dales can be found globally today.
Famous people with the name Dale
- Alan Dale: An actor well-known for his roles in TV series like "Lost", "The O.C.", and "NCIS".
- Jim Dale: A British actor, narrator, and singer: best known for narrating the Harry Potter audiobooks.
- Dick Dale: Known as "The King of the Surf Guitar", an American musician and pioneer of surf music.
- Robin Dale: An accomplished British photographer.
- Eleanor Dale: A young British actress known for her role in "The Goes Wrong Show".
- Diana Dale: An American broadcast journalist and award-winning documentary filmmaker.
- Cass Daley: An American radio, television, and film actress and singer.
- Virginia Dale: An American actress known for her role in the 1940's film "Holiday Inn".
- Brad Dale: An Australian rules footballer.
- Pitts Dale: An early 20th-century vaudeville and film performer.
- Uma Dale: A Norwegian dancer and choreographer.
- Stephanie Dale: An award-winning Australian author, journalist, and travel writer.
- Roger Dale: A South African cricketer.
- Jennifer Dale: A Canadian actress and former dancer.
- James Badge Dale: An American actor.