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Dale

Boy / Girl name · 1,897 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Dale: 1,897 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to both boys and girls, peaking at 203 births in 1994.

Of Old English origin, Dale comes from the word *dæl*, meaning "valley" or "dell," originally a topographical surname for someone who lived near such a feature. It gained popularity as a first name, particularly in the 20th century perhaps thanks to Dale Carnegie (1888–1955), the American author of *How to Win Friends and Influence People*, and Dale Evans (1912–2001), the singer and actress who was a beloved Western star alongside her husband Roy Rogers. The name also brings to mind stock car racing legend Dale Earnhardt Sr. (1951–2001), who is often simply called "The Intimidator." While it is primarily enjoyed as a masculine name, it has also been given to girls, and its gentle connection to nature keeps it fresh and straightforward.