Last Name Dalton

The last name Dalton is of English origin. It is derived from a place name, referring to various towns and villages in England named Dalton. The name is believed to have Old English origins, possibly meaning "settlement in the valley" or "valley town". Over time, individuals living in these places began adopting Dalton as their surname, which eventually spread across different regions. The surname Dalton can also be found in other English-speaking countries due to migration and colonization.

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The meaning and origin of the last name Dalton

The surname Dalton is of English origin and has multiple possible meanings. It is derived from the Old English personal name Dælta, which means "valley dweller" or "one who lived by the valley." Alternatively, it may stem from the Old English words "dol" or "dael," meaning "dale" or "valley," combined with the suffix "-tun," indicating a farm or settlement. Thus, Dalton could denote someone who hailed from a location with "valley" in its name. The name's geographic associations may also extend to the village of Dalton in North Yorkshire, England. The first recorded instance of this surname dates back to the 12th century, where it was found in the village of Dalton in Lancashire. Over time, individuals bearing the surname Dalton have spread across various parts of the British Isles and even migrated to other countries, leading to the name's presence in many regions today.

Geographical distribution of the last name Dalton

The last name Dalton has a widespread geographical distribution, with significant concentrations in various regions around the world. In the United States, the highest density of individuals with the surname Dalton can be found in the states of North Carolina, Kentucky, and Georgia. This suggests a historical presence of Dalton families in these areas, possibly originating from English, Irish, or Scottish heritage. Additionally, significant populations of Daltons can also be found in the United Kingdom, especially in the West Midlands region of England. Other countries with notable occurrences of the surname include Australia, Canada, and Ireland, where Dalton is more commonly associated with Irish origins. Overall, while the distribution of the name Dalton is not limited to a specific location, it demonstrates a prevalence in English-speaking countries with historical connections to the British Isles, reflecting the migratory patterns and settlement of Dalton families over the centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Dalton

The last name Dalton may have a few variations and spellings depending on regional accents, historical changes, and personal preferences. Some common variations include Daalton, Daulton, Dallton, and Dawlton. These variations often result from the different pronunciations of individual letters or slight alterations over time. Additionally, regional accents and dialects may influence the spelling, causing variations such as Deolton, Delton, or Dulton. In some cases, Irish or Scottish heritage could introduce variations like Dalyton or D'Alton, reflecting the influence of Gaelic or Celtic languages. In certain regions or immigrant communities, phonetic transcriptions of the name could also contribute to variations like Dolton or Dhalton. It is important to note that spellings can differ among individuals within the same family, as personal preferences, migration, or records transcription may affect the spelling of a surname.

Famous people with the last name Dalton

The Dalton family has birthed several remarkable individuals who have made their mark in various fields. One notable figure is John Dalton (1766-1844), an English chemist and physicist renowned for his pioneering work in atomic theory. Dalton's groundbreaking observations on chemical elements and compounds laid the foundation for modern chemistry. Moving to the world of entertainment, Timothy Dalton stands out as a renowned British actor who portrayed James Bond in two 007 films during the late 1980s. His portrayal of the iconic spy showcased his talent and charm, earning him a place among one of the most esteemed actors to have taken on the role. Finally, Karen Dalton (1937-1993), an American folk blues singer, stands as a noteworthy talent in the world of music. Known for her emotive vocals and unique fingerpicking style, Dalton left an indelible mark on the folk music scene. Together, these individuals with the surname Dalton have left a lasting legacy in their respective fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Dalton

The surname Dalton has English origins and can be traced back to the medieval period. It is believed to be derived from a place name, originating from the Old English words "dæl" meaning "valley" and "tun" meaning "settlement" or "enclosure." This suggests that the name referred to someone who resided in or near a valley settlement. The first recorded instance of the surname can be found in the Domesday Book of 1086, where a man named Aldret de Daltone is mentioned. Over time, the name Dalton became more widespread, and various branches emerged throughout England. Notably, the Dalton family of Thurnham Hall in Lancashire attained prominence and produced notable individuals in both military and political spheres. Additionally, the name Dalton has also spread to other parts of the world through migration, particularly to countries such as Ireland and the United States. Today, Daltons can be found in numerous countries, making it a well-established and recognizable family name.

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