To linger or play; also a diminutive of Dorothy
As a standalone name, Dally is often a modern diminutive of Dorothy, meaning 'gift of God,' or a nickname-style choice derived from the English word meaning to linger or play. It has also been used as a shortened form of names like Dallas or Dahlia. Its usage is rare and carries a breezy, informal quality.
Less common today
Dally isn't in the latest US Top 1000. It last peaked at #4,832 in 2025.
US births per 5-year period, 1990–present (SSA data).
A tough, rebellious character in S.E. Hinton's novel · The Outsiders
