Surname Dalton - Meaning and Origin

Navigating Through My Ancestry: A Comprehensive Review of My DNA Test at iGENEA and the Deepened Understanding of my Surname, Dalton

iGENEA's DNA test offered a comprehensive and accurate insight into my genetic lineage. Through the test results, I was able to better understand the origins and history of my surname, Dalton. The combination of scientific precision and historical interpretation provided an enriching perspective on my ancestry.

E. Dalton

Dalton: What does the surname Dalton mean?

Dalton is an English surname with Anglo-Saxon origins. The name is derived from an Old English term "dael," meaning 'valley', and "tun," which refers to a town or settlement, combining as "dæl-tūn" to indicate 'a town or settlement in the valley.'

It initially came into use as a locational name for people who resided in places called Dalton across England and Scotland. The name also has notable associations with Dalton-in-Furness in Lancashire, Dalton Piercy in County Durham, and Dalton-le-Dale in Northern England.

Notable individuals with the surname include the Dalton Brothers, notorious outlaws in the American Old West, physicist John Dalton, known for Dalton's atomic theory, and Timothy Dalton, a British actor famous for his role as James Bond.

Moreover, the name Dalton is also found in Ireland, often as an anglicized form of the Irish surname Ó Dálaigh, which means "descendant of the blind or brave one".

Thus, while the surname Dalton carries a topographic origin signifying a valley dweller, it also encapsulates rich historical and cultural associations in the UK and Ireland.

Dalton: Where does the name Dalton come from?

The surname Dalton has origins in England and is derived from any of the several places called Dalton. Dalton in Yorkshire, Lancashire, Lincolnshire, Northumberland, and Cumbria are possible sources. The name comes from the Old English words "dael" meaning "valley" and "tun" meaning "farm" or "settlement", hence "settlement in the valley". Different branches of the Dalton family migrated to various regions throughout Europe, including Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. However, it’s in England where the surname prevalence is the highest, according to Forebears. In the United States, the name is prevalent and it spread across the country with migrating settlers. Genealogical research also indicates families with the Dalton last name sit among the early founders of Virginia and Massachusetts. The Dalton Gang, notorious outlaws in the American West, have also ensured the surname Dalton remains known in American popular culture. In Australia, the surname Dalton is commonly found in New South Wales and Queensland.

Variations of the surname Dalton

The surname Dalton, originating from Anglo-Saxon and Old Norse, has a few variants and spelling alterations. There are slight variations like Daltan and Daulton. It can also be found as D'Alton in some Irish derivations, showing a connection to the Norman invasion of Ireland. However, Dalton is the most common spelling.

Speaking of its origin, it is a locational surname derived from various places in England named Dalton or D'Alton. These place names come from the Old Norse words "dal", meaning valley, and "tun", meaning settlement or farm, thus it refers to "settlement in the valley" or "farm in the valley".

In terms of related surnames, these can be difficult to establish. Given it's a place name, unless other surnames specifically derived from the same location, they will not be related. However, Dulton and Delton might be connected due to phonetic similarities.

Surname variants might also have occurred due to phonetic translations between languages and handwriting interpretations over the centuries. However, as with any surname, direct lineage and descent are traditionally through the paternal line and thus it is not sprayed widely.

Famous people with the name Dalton

• Timothy Dalton: British actor known for playing James Bond in two films.
• Lacy J. Dalton: American country singer and songwriter.
• Audrey Dalton: Irish television and film actress.
• Emmett Dalton: One of the Dalton brothers, an infamous outlaw gang in the U.S. during the late 19th century.
• John Dalton: English scientist recognized for developing the atomic theory of matter.
• Phyllis Dalton: Oscar-winning British costume designer.
• Niki Dalton: Australian field hockey player, gold medallist at the 2000 Summer Olympics.
• Karen Dalton: American folk-blues singer and banjo player.
• Jack Dalton: American politician and former mayor of Portsmouth, Virginia.
• James Dalton: South African rugby union player.
• Dalton Grant: British high jumper.
• Hugh Dalton: British economist and politician.
• Andy Dalton: American football quarterback.
• Dalton Pompey: Canadian professional baseball player.
• Kathleen Dalton: American history professor.
• Trevor Dalton: New Zealand former cricketer.
• Dalton Trumbo: American screenwriter blacklisted in Hollywood during the McCarthy era.
• Dalton Prout: Canadian professional ice hockey player.
• Dalton McGuinty: Canadian politician and former Premier of Ontario.
• Eamon Dalton: Irish Gaelic footballer.

Other surnames

D' TurckD'AgneauD'AgostiniD'AillieD'AltonD'Ambrosiad'Andremontd'AntremontD'ArcyD'ArzacD'assignyD'AubynD'AughtryD'Auteryd'AutremontD'AutreyD'AutryD'Avanzo