Dale
Dale comes from the Old English "dæl," meaning valley. The name began as a surname referring to someone who lived in a valley. As a first name, Dale is essentially modern — it became popular in the early 20th century. The name is one of the rare one-syllable nature names that worked for boys. Dale was a top-100 American name from 1915 to 1970, peaking at #48 in 1949. Dale Carnegie (1888-1955), the author of "How to Win Friends and Influence People" (1936) — one of the best-selling books of all time — is the most famous bearer. Dale Earnhardt (1951-2001), the NASCAR driver known as "The Intimidator," gave the name a Southern sports charge. I find Dale has a brisk, mid-century quality — the single syllable is direct, and the "D" opening is firm. The name has been outside the US top 500 since 2005. Dale is a male name of English (place name) origin that means "Valley". Brisk, mid-century, and approachable. The name sounds friendly. Dales tend to be steady. US peaked #48 in 1949. Outside top 500 since 2005. Well-known people named Dale include Dale Carnegie (author), Dale Earnhardt (NASCAR driver), Dale (English word), Dale (fictional, various). Common variations and related forms of Dale include Dall (variant), Dal (variant), Dayle (variant), Dael (variant).