Dalyell Name Meaning & Details
Origin, Popularity, Numerology Analysis & Name Meaning of Dalyell
Discover the origin, meaning, and cultural significance of the name DALYELL. Delve into its historical roots and explore the lasting impact it has had on communities and traditions.
Name
Dalyell
Gender
Male
Origin
Scottish
Lucky Number
8
Meaning of the Name
Dalyell is a Scottish male name meaning 'from the little field,' reflecting its origins in the landscape of central Scotland. It carries associations with land ownership, heritage, and the aristocratic traditions of Scottish culture.
Complete Numerology Analysis
Your Numerology Number
Based on Pythagorean Numerology System
Ruling Planet
Saturn
Positive Nature
Ambitious, efficient, realistic, and authoritative.
Negative Traits
Materialistic, stressed, confrontational, and can be overly ambitious.
Lucky Colours
Dark blue, black.
Lucky Days
Saturday.
Lucky Stones
Blue sapphire, amethyst.
Harmony Numbers
2, 4, 6.
Best Suited Professions
Business leaders, managers, financial services, law enforcement.
What People Like About You
Leadership, determination, organizational skills.
Famous People Named Dalyell
Sir Thomas Dalyell of the Binns
Military Commander and Politician
Royalist commander during the English Civil War and long-serving MP
Tam Dalyell
Politician
Longest-serving MP in House of Commons history and prominent anti-war campaigner
Gordon Dalyell of the Binns
Naval Officer
Distinguished Royal Navy captain during Napoleonic Wars
Katharine Dalyell
Artist and Conservationist
Renowned Scottish painter and environmental preservation advocate
Name Variations & International Equivalents
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Cultural & Historical Significance
The cultural impact of the Dalyell name extends beyond mere aristocratic lineage. The family's motto 'I Dare' became synonymous with a particular type of Scottish character - principled, sometimes contrarian, but always courageous. This was exemplified most recently by Tam Dalyell's political career, where he became known for taking unpopular stands based on conviction rather than convenience. The name thus embodies important Scottish cultural values: loyalty to principle, intellectual independence, and a willingness to challenge authority when necessary. In contemporary Scotland, the Dalyell name continues to represent a connection to both land and political tradition, serving as a living link to Scotland's layered historical identity and the enduring influence of its aristocratic families on national life.
Extended Personality Analysis
Those associated with the Dalyell name historically exhibit a distinctive combination of intellectual rigor and moral courage. The family's longstanding reputation suggests personalities characterized by deep conviction and a willingness to maintain unpopular positions when convinced of their righteousness. This is evidenced by figures like Tam Dalyell, who became famous for his principled opposition to mainstream political consensus, and earlier Dalyells who remained loyal to the Stuart cause long after it became politically expedient to do otherwise. The recurring theme is one of intellectual independence - a tendency to arrive at conclusions through careful analysis rather than following crowd sentiment. This often results in individuals who are perceived as stubborn or difficult, but whose positions are typically well-reasoned and ethically grounded.
Beyond this intellectual independence, Dalyells are often associated with a particular type of Scottish pragmatism combined with visionary thinking. Many family members have demonstrated ability in both practical matters (military command, estate management) and intellectual pursuits (politics, arts, sciences). There's a pattern of combining traditional values with progressive thinking - maintaining connection to land and heritage while engaging with contemporary issues. The personality tends toward the analytical rather than emotional, with decisions grounded in principle and evidence rather than sentiment. This creates individuals who may not always be the most charismatic, but who earn respect through consistency, intelligence, and reliability. The historical record suggests a family tendency toward public service and a sense of duty that transcends personal ambition.
Modern Usage & Popularity
In modern contexts, Dalyell functions primarily as a distinguished Scottish surname rather than a frequently used given name. Its usage patterns reflect its aristocratic origins, with most contemporary bearers having direct familial connections to central Scotland, particularly the historical counties of Lanarkshire and West Lothian. The name gained renewed public recognition during the 20th century through the political career of Tam Dalyell, whose 43-year tenure in Parliament made the name familiar to British political observers. While not numerous in global terms, the name maintains a presence in professional circles, particularly in law, academia, and public service in Scotland. Internationally, the establishment of the Dalyell Scholars program at the University of Sydney has created academic recognition in Australia. Current demographic trends show the name remaining stable but uncommon, with approximately a few hundred bearers worldwide, predominantly in Scotland and countries with significant Scottish diaspora populations. The name continues to carry connotations of Scottish heritage, intellectual achievement, and political engagement.
Symbolic & Spiritual Meanings
Symbolically, Dalyell represents the powerful connection between land, identity, and principle in Scottish culture. The literal meaning 'from the little field' belies deeper symbolic significance - it speaks to the idea that great legacies often emerge from humble beginnings, and that true strength comes from being rooted in place and tradition. The name symbolizes the Scottish aristocratic ideal of noblesse oblige - the responsibility that comes with privilege and land ownership. The family motto 'I Dare' adds another layer of symbolism, representing courage of conviction and the willingness to stand alone when necessary. Historically, the name has come to symbolize a particular type of Scottish character: intellectually rigorous, principled to the point of stubbornness, and deeply connected to heritage while engaged with contemporary issues. In a broader sense, Dalyell represents the enduring nature of Scottish cultural identity and the complex relationship between Scotland's landowning classes and the nation's political development.