The name, meaning 'homestead/village in a valley' is of Old English origin and first recorded in the Domesday Book.

[1] Dalham is 13 kilometres (8 mi) west of the town of Bury St Edmunds and, at the 2001 census, had a population of 191,.

[3] The Icknield Way Path passes through the village on its 110-mile journey from Ivinghoe Beacon in Buckinghamshire to Knettishall Heath in Suffolk.

The Icknield Way Trail, a multi-user route for walkers, horse riders and off-road cyclists also passes through the village.

[4] Dalham Hall and its associated stud are owned by the ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.