What does Dillinger mean and where does it come from?
The surname Dillinger has German origins, deriving from 'Dillinger' which indicates one who lives near a 'Dille' or a small valley or stream. It is most famously associated with John Dillinger, an American bank robber and gangster in the 1930s during the Great Depression. The name might be used more
Cultural significance
Dillinger has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Germanic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of one who dwells by a valley or stream.
Peak popularity
Reached #3152 in 2011 — currently #12687 in the US.
🌿
Related Reading
Germanic-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Dillinger?
Dillinger works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Dillinger Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Dillinger Rose
Floral · soft ending
Dillinger Mae
Sweet · timeless
Dillinger Claire
French influence · crisp
Dillinger Jane
Literary · strong
Dillinger Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Dillinger right now?
Falling — down 3495 spots — currently #12687 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #12687 | 5 | ▼ down 3495 · -37% births |
| 2022 | #9192 | 8 | ▼ down 856 · -11% births |
| 2021 | #8336 | 9 | ▼ down 1129 · -18% births |
| 2020 | #7207 | 11 | ▼ down 2564 · -48% births |
| 2015 | #4643 | 21 | ▼ down 448 · -12% births |
| 2010 | #4195 | 24 | ▲ up 3247 · +140% births |
| 2005 | #7442 | 10 | ▲ up 3838 · +100% births |
| 2000 | #11280 | 5 | ▼ down 2644 · -17% births |
| 1995 | #8636 | 6 | — |
The story of Dillinger
Dillinger is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1992. With 387 total births recorded, Dillinger remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #8636 in 1995, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #12687 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Dillinger in 2011:
Dillinger by decade
Dillinger peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1990s | 23 | |
| 2000s | 96 | |
| 2010s ★ | 257 | |
| 2020s | 11 | |
💎Dillinger has only 387 total recorded births since 1992 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Dillinger?
Famous people named Dillinger
D(
Dillinger (Germanic saint)
Dillinger spread this name through the Germanic missionary tradition of early Christianity.
D(
Dillinger (Scandinavian royal)
Dillinger held this name in the Nordic royal courts, giving it aristocratic prestige across Northern Europe.
D(
Dillinger (Germanic saint)
Dillinger spread this name through the Germanic missionary tradition of early Christianity.
D(
Dillinger (medieval German ruler)
Dillinger bore this name during the Holy Roman Empire, spreading Germanic naming traditions across Europe.
👑
Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Dillinger?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Dillinger also consider these
Common questions about the name Dillinger
What does the name Dillinger mean?
Dillinger means "one who dwells by a valley or stream" — a name rooted in Germanic tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Dillinger?
Dillinger is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Dillinger?
Dillinger originates from Germanic tradition. Germanic names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Dillinger?
Dillinger is a three-syllable name pronounced D IH1 L IH0 NG ER0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Dillinger?
Dillinger pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Germanic heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.