What does dylan mean and where does it come from?
'Dylan' is traditionally a masculine name from Welsh mythology—Dylan Eil Ton was the god of the sea. However, it has gained popularity as a gender-neutral or feminine name, especially in the U.S. in recent decades. Notable namesakes include the American singer-songwriter Bob Dylan. The name invokes
Cultural significance
dylan has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Wales-speaking communities, where it reflects values of from 'dy', meaning 'great', and 'llanw', meaning 'tide' or 'flow', thus 'great tide'..
Peak popularity
Reached #19 in 2003 — currently #34 in the US.
🌿
Related Reading
Wales-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell dylan?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with dylan?
dylan works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
dylan Grace
Most popular combo · classic
dylan Rose
Floral · soft ending
dylan Mae
Sweet · timeless
dylan Claire
French influence · crisp
dylan Jane
Literary · strong
dylan Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is dylan right now?
Rising — up 8 spots — currently #34 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #34 | 7,072 | ▲ up 8 · +5% births |
| 2022 | #42 | 6,738 | ▲ up 2 |
| 2021 | #44 | 6,762 | ▼ down 1 |
| 2020 | #43 | 6,788 | ▼ down 16 · -34% births |
| 2015 | #27 | 10,277 | ▲ up 4 · -2% births |
| 2010 | #31 | 10,512 | ▼ down 7 · -24% births |
| 2005 | #24 | 13,773 | stable · -11% births |
| 2000 | #24 | 15,402 | ▲ up 10 · +27% births |
| 1995 | #34 | 12,088 | ▲ up 49 · +174% births |
| 1990 | #83 | 4,412 | ▲ up 104 · +231% births |
| 1985 | #187 | 1,331 | ▲ up 78 · +62% births |
| 1980 | #265 | 824 | ▲ up 101 · +81% births |
| 1975 | #366 | 454 | ▲ up 92 · +45% births |
| 1970 | #458 | 314 | ▲ up 636 · +568% births |
| 1965 | #1094 | 47 | — |
The story of dylan
dylan entered American naming records in 1953 and has been in use for over 71 years. Its peak popularity was #19 in 2003. More than 398,062 babies have been named dylan since 1953. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #2434 in 1955 to #34 in 2023. dylan is used for both genders: 4% female and 96% male.
Names that peaked alongside dylan in 2003:
dylan by decade
dylan peaked in the 2000s. See all 2000s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1950s | 98 | |
| 1960s | 699 | |
| 1970s | 4,118 | |
| 1980s | 14,470 | |
| 1990s | 123,696 | |
| 2000s ★ | 144,250 | |
| 2010s | 103,333 | |
| 2020s | 7,398 | |
What are good nicknames for dylan?
What names sound and feel like dylan?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love dylan also consider these
How is dylan written in other languages?
Common questions about the name dylan
What does the name dylan mean?
dylan means "From 'dy', meaning 'great', and 'llanw', meaning 'tide' or 'flow', thus 'great tide'." — a name rooted in Wales 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 dylan?
dylan is currently ranked #34 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of dylan?
dylan originates from Wales tradition. Wales 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 dylan?
dylan is a two-syllable name pronounced D IH1 L AH0 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is dylan more of a girl or boy name?
dylan is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.