Dalles

OriginPlace name, surname and Irish

Meaning"meadow dwelling, valley house, skilled"

GenderBoy & girl

US rank · boysUnranked

Below 5 births

US rank · girlsUnranked

Below 5 births

About Dalles

Dalles is a masculine name that likely derives from geographic origins. It may be connected to The Dalles, a city in Oregon named after the French word 'dalle' referring to rapids or sluiceways in a river. The name could also relate to the French word 'dalle' meaning 'flagstone' or 'slab.' As a personal name, Dalles is quite uncommon, giving it a distinctive quality. It has a strong, modern sound while maintaining a connection to place-based naming traditions. The name might appeal to parents with connections to the Pacific Northwest or those seeking an unusual geographical name. While rare in usage statistics, Dalles fits well with contemporary trends toward unique place names and surnames as first names.

Dalles for girls

Dalles is an uncommon feminine name with geographical associations, particularly connected to The Dalles, a city in Oregon situated along the Columbia River. The name likely derives from the French word 'dalle' meaning 'sluice' or 'flagstone,' referring to the narrow rapids on the Columbia River. As a personal name, Dalles emerged as a distinctive place-based choice, similar to other geographical names like Dakota or Chelsea. The name carries a contemporary feel with its 's' ending, giving it a somewhat androgynous quality despite traditional feminine usage. While never widely popular, Dalles appeals to parents seeking a unique name with American geographical significance. Its brevity and straightforward pronunciation balance its uniqueness, offering a rare name that doesn't present pronunciation challenges.

Pronounced DAL.

As of October 2026, Dalles ranked #11030 in US births in 2013 SSA, peaked at #2931 in 1940.