Dalen is a unisex given name of Welsh origin, derived from the word "dalen" meaning "valley." It is often used as a masculine name but can also be given to girls. The name has gained some popularity in recent years and is particularly common in Wales. However, it remains relatively uncommon elsewhere around the world. There are no notable historical figures or fictional characters named Dalen that have significantly influenced its usage.
The name Dalen experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the decades. It was quite uncommon until the late 1940s, with fewer than 6 births per year between 1941 and 1954. However, it began to gain traction in the late 1950s and throughout the 1960s, with an average of around 8 births per year.
The name reached its peak popularity in the mid-1990s, with a striking increase from 34 births in 1994 to 71 births in 1995. This trend continued into the late 1990s and early 2000s, with over 80 births each year between 1997 and 2002.
However, since then, Dalen's popularity has steadily declined. From a peak of 99 births in 2001, it dropped to just 17 births in 2018. The past few years have seen some fluctuation but generally maintained around the 20-30 births per year mark.
Overall, while Dalen was once quite uncommon, it experienced a surge in popularity starting in the late 1950s and peaked in the mid- to late-1990s. However, its popularity has since declined significantly. As of 2022, with 28 births recorded, it remains relatively rare compared to other names.