Dillinger

“one who dwells by a valley or stream” — Associated with John Dillinger

Germanic origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#12687US 2023

5Births / yr

↓Falling

387All-time births

📅 Since 199200

How to pronounce Dillinger

DIL·ing·er

/ˈdɪl.ɪŋ.ɝ/ · stress on DIL · 3 syllables

“one who dwells by a valley or stream”

Associated with John Dillinger · Germanic origin

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.

🌿

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

How popular is Dillinger right now?

Falling — down 3495 spots — currently #12687 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1995–2023#12687 · Top 9.4%

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

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	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Dillinger

Best Year2010Rank #4195

Peak Count24

Average Rank#8180

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1995 - 20239 years

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:

Jacob Mason William Jayden Noah

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?

Common

DilDiInger

Famous people named Dillinger

Dillinger (Germanic saint)

Dillinger spread this name through the Germanic missionary tradition of early Christianity.

Dillinger (Scandinavian royal)

Dillinger held this name in the Nordic royal courts, giving it aristocratic prestige across Northern Europe.

Dillinger (Germanic saint)

Dillinger spread this name through the Germanic missionary tradition of early Christianity.

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 2025

Explore →

What names sound and feel like Dillinger?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Dillinger also consider these

Dillonger

American · Likely a surname

French · A French name

Hinsinger

Sanskrit · A Sanskrit name

Denlinger

French · A French name

Bellinger

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Bollinger

Norse · A Norse name

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.