Dalton
Boy name · 54 babies recorded · 1974–2025
Dalton: 54 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to boys, peaking at 6 births in 2023.
Originally an English surname, Dalton derives from Old English *dæl* (valley) and *tūn* (settlement), literally meaning "valley town." Its most famous bearer is John Dalton, the 19th-century chemist whose atomic theory revolutionised science; the unit of atomic mass is named in his honour. Other notable Daltons include screenwriter Dalton Trumbo, blacklisted during Hollywood's McCarthy era, and Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty. The name also appears in the Cumbrian town of Dalton-in-Furness and several American place names. As a first name, Dalton has enjoyed steady use in Scotland since the 1980s, offering a strong, grounded feel with clear geographical and scientific associations.
Boy 14 of 52 years
- Peak year
- 20236 babies
- Latest (2025)
- #4956 babies
- Total births
- 54since 1995
- 5-year trend
- ▲ 16%vs prior 5y