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Updated February 19, 2024

Table of contents

Girl name origins & meanings

  • Welsh : Sea

Boy name origins & meanings

  • Welsh : Sea

What does Dylan mean and stand for?

Dylan is a name of Welsh origin meaning "son of the sea." It was derived from the Welsh component dy and llanw, which mean "sea." Dylan was a sea god in Welsh mythology who demanded the waters in Britain and Ireland to cry when he died.

Syllables: 2

Boy name variations

How Popular Is The Name Dylan

Famous people with this last name

Popularity

According to Social Security Administration data, Dylan has been consistently popular, remaining in the top fifty since 2000. It even enjoyed a spot in the top 20 in 2003 and 2004, at its peak both years: rank 19.

However, it is the 45th most popular name on FamilyEducation.com.

According to Google search data analysis, in the last five years Dylan was at its peak popularity in October 2016.

Dylan is a Welsh name that gained popularity with the Welsh poet Dylan Thomas. Bob Dylan even adopted his name in honor of Dylan Thomas. Over the years, Dylan has consistently ranked in the top boy names starting with D. Its alternative spelling, Dillon, is only used 5% more often.

Where is it Popular?

Dylan was searched for most often in the following states:

Nicknames for Dylan

  • Dee
  • DiDi
  • Dil
  • Dilly

Pairs well with these middle names

 

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