Good Day,
My name is K.T. Mapstone, nee Dalton. I'm a member of the Dalton Genealogical Society and seach most things dalton and/or Dalton. This quest brought me to Kildalton Parish on the Isle of Islay on the western coast of Scotland.
When I made my inquiries, a local legend was recounted to me. During the 9th century the coast had been ravaged three times by the Vikings in as many months. A group of monks from Alba sought safety in Ireland and brought with them the Book of Kells. The remaining monks fled to a cell in Islay and named it Kildalton - the adopted church.
It's been my belief that kil means church in Irish Gaelic and Kilmichael would be the church of St. Michael. Having my surname used as a noun meaning adopted caused me to search further.
The MacBain's Dictionary led me to dalton/daltan - a foster son or god son in Old Gaelic. A note to that organization requesting additional information led me to you.
Daltai is the plural of dalta, so I am hoping your learned membership can assist me. Does dalton mean adopted?
Regards,

K.T. Mapstone

Is ainm áite é Dalton agus Daton a ndearnthas Dalton de. Both Daton and Dalton are toponymic surnames. Daton in some instances assimilated to Dalton.

'Dalta' and its diminutive 'daltán' are common nouns.

Ádh mór.

Thank you Seosamh. Didn't expect a connection between dalta and my surname Dalton, but I must ask the question. The progenitor of our Irish line is believed to be Walter D'Alton of France. He settled in County Westmeath circa 1150. We were known as Dalatun, Dhalatunachaibh, Dalatunachaibh.
There was also an English Dalton/Daton progenitor in the Pale. This family takes their surname from locations in Durham, Lancashire, Northhumberland, Westmorland and Yorkshire named Dalton.
What puzzles me is the use of dalton in the Scottish legend of Kildalton. As a common noun, in old Gaelic, could dalton have meant adopted?
Thanks, again.

Is ea, go deimhin / Yes, indeed.

Dalta : foster-child, pupil, pet/darling

Daltán : diminutive of the same.

Ádh mór.