"meadow dwelling, water meadow"
Origin: Scottish Gaelic
Language: English
Dallas
Pronunciation: [ d-AL-uhs ]
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A bold Western name with wide-open horizons
American
Scottish
Modern
Bold
Earthy
American
Strong
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"from the valley of water"
Origin: Old Gaelic
Language: Scottish
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The Story of Dallas
Dallas originated as a Scottish place name and clan name, derived from the Gaelic 'dail ghlas,' meaning 'meadow dwelling' or 'water meadow.' The city of Dallas, Texas, was named after George Mifflin Dallas, the 11th Vice President of the United States (1845-1849). As a given name, Dallas spread primarily in America, gaining pop culture prominence through the iconic TV series Dallas (1978-1991), which dramatized the lives of wealthy Texas oil families.
Dallas gained US popularity in the 1970s-1980s largely due to the hit primetime drama Dallas, which made the city — and the name — synonymous with swagger and ambition. It has remained a solid American name, particularly popular in the South and Southwest.
Dallas is quintessentially American, associated with Texas culture, the American West, and the television show that defined 1980s prime-time drama. It carries an adventurous, frontier spirit that resonates with families who value independence and boldness.
Historical Record
Dallas first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 54,435 babies have been named Dallas in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Dallas is a steady classic , currently ranked #243 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Dallas, Texas, was named after US Vice President George Mifflin Dallas in 1846
- The TV show Dallas ran for 14 seasons (1978-1991) and drew over 80 million viewers for the 'Who Shot J.R.?' episode
- Dallas is also a city in Oregon, named after the same Vice President
Dallas in Other Languages
French
Dallas
English
Dallas
Spanish
Dallas
Popularity Over Time
#243
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Steady Classic
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Dallas
D
Dallas Green
Musician
1981
Canadian singer-songwriter known professionally as City and Colour, acclaimed for soulful acoustic music
J
J.R. Ewing Fictional
Other
The scheming, conniving oil magnate from the TV series Dallas (1978-1991), one of television's greatest villains
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #243
- Total SSA Count
- 1,448
- Cultural Origins
- American Scottish
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Dal
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Dallas
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Dallas is also used as a girl name, ranked #658.
View Dallas as a girl name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Dallas
What does the name Dallas mean?
"meadow dwelling, water meadow" (from Scottish Gaelic). "from the valley of water" (from Old Gaelic). Dallas originated as a Scottish place name and clan name, derived from the Gaelic 'dail ghlas,' meaning 'meadow dwelling' or 'water meadow.' The city of Dallas, Texas, was named after George Mifflin Dallas, the 11th Vice President of the United States (1845-1849). As a given name, Dallas spread primarily in America, gaining pop culture prominence through the iconic TV series Dallas (1978-1991), which dramatized the lives of wealthy Texas oil families.
What is the origin of the name Dallas?
Dallas has Scottish Gaelic, Old Gaelic, American, and Scottish origins. In Scottish Gaelic, it means "meadow dwelling, water meadow". In Old Gaelic, it means "from the valley of water".
Is Dallas a boy or girl name?
Dallas is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #243. As a girl name, it is ranked #658. Dallas is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Dallas?
Dallas is pronounced d-AL-uhs.
How popular is the name Dallas?
Dallas is currently ranked #243 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Dallas?
Common nicknames for Dallas include Dal.
What are good middle names for Dallas?
Popular middle name pairings include Dallas James, Dallas Wyatt, Dallas Cole, Dallas Reid, Dallas Hunter, and Dallas Lee.
What are good sibling names for Dallas?
Names that pair well with Dallas as siblings include Austin, Denver, Weston, Savannah, Cheyenne, and Hudson.
How many syllables does Dallas have?
Dallas has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Dallas a common or rare name?
Dallas is a popular name, ranked #243 for boys. It is well-known without being overused.
What boy names are similar to Dallas?
About the Name Dallas
Dallas is a boy name with American and Scottish origins . The name means "meadow dwelling, water meadow" in Scottish Gaelic .
Is Dallas a boy or girl name? Dallas is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #243 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #658. Dallas is more commonly used as a boy name.
Dallas is currently ranked #243 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Dallas has 2 syllables and is pronounced d-AL-uhs, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Dallas include Dal. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Dallas include Dallin, Dallen . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis