dahls

Dahls is a surname of Scandinavian origin, used as a family name in its own right and as a plural form when referring to a group with that surname. It is a variant or patronymic form related to the more common surname Dahl, which derives from the Old Norse and Scandinavian word dalr meaning valley. The name likely originated as a topographic surname for people living in or near a valley, or as a farm name adopted by a family associated with such a place.

Geographic distribution: The surname is most common in Norway and Sweden, with occurrences in Denmark and among descendants of Nordic emigrants in North America, particularly the United States and Canada. The form with the final s is less common than Dahl but is encountered in several family lines.

Usage and variations: Dahls may appear in records with alternate spellings influenced by language and immigration, including Dahl, Daehls, Daals, or Daels in some cases. In genealogical writing, "the Dahls family" is used to refer to a line or group sharing the surname.

Notable bearers: No specific individuals are singled out in this generic entry; for detailed information, see individual biographical entries under this surname.