Noah Boy
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#2
Dallas
UnisexScottish· “from the Scottish place Dallas”
- Meaning
- from the Scottish place Dallas
- Origin
- Scottish
- Pronunciation
- DAL-uhs
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #238
- US babies 2025
- 1,475
- Best rank
- #214 (1995)
- Peak year
- 2025
Meaning and origin of Dallas
Dallas is a Scottish name that is usually said to mean “from the Scottish place Dallas”.
Dallas comes from a Scottish surname taken from the village of Dallas in Moray. The place name is usually traced to Gaelic, with a first element meaning field or meadow, though its exact meaning is uncertain. The Texas city is most often said to be named for George M. Dallas, a vice president of the United States, though its origin is debated. As a first name Dallas is used for both boys and girls, and it has an easygoing, Western feel. It is simple to spell, and Dal is a possible nickname.
Popularity over time
Dallas has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 146 different years. Its best national rank was #214 in 1995, and the most babies received it in 2025, when 1,475 were named Dallas. In 2025, 1,475 babies were named Dallas, and it ranked #238 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #306 in 1920, #331 in 1950, #298 in 1980, #309 in 2000, #319 in 2010, and #238 in 2025. Of the 71,203 US boys named Dallas since records began, 17% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 1990s come next, with 10,443 babies.
Other babies' names that peaked around the same time include Lennon, Ellis, Milan, Palmer, and Tatum.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Dallas ranked highest in Alabama, Mississippi, and Georgia.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | #58 | 74 |
| Mississippi | #83 | 32 |
| Georgia | #92 | 121 |
| Louisiana | #104 | 48 |
| Kentucky | #126 | 45 |
Gender, sound and spelling
Dallas is used for both boys and girls: over the last 20 years about 25% of US babies named Dallas were girls and 75% were boys.
Dallas is usually pronounced DAL-uhs, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with D and ends in “-as”.
Middle names for Dallas
A few middle names that flow with Dallas: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Dallas
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Lists that include Dallas
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Dallas mean?
Dallas is a Scottish name that is usually said to mean “from the Scottish place Dallas”.
What is the origin of the name Dallas?
Dallas has Scottish roots. Dallas comes from a Scottish surname taken from the village of Dallas in Moray.
Is Dallas a popular name?
Yes. Dallas ranked #238 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Dallas a boy or girl name?
Dallas is used for both boys and girls: over the last 20 years about 25% of US babies named Dallas were girls and 75% were boys.
How do you pronounce Dallas?
Dallas is usually pronounced DAL-uhs. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings