Dylan
Dylan is a boy name of Welsh origin meaning “Son of the sea”, pronounced DIL-un. It ranked #41 in the United States in 2025, given to 6,208 babies, and peaked at #19 in 2003. Common nicknames: Dyl, D.
How popular is Dylan in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Dylan mean, and where does it come from?
Dylan is a Welsh name derived from the elements "dy," meaning "great," and "llanw," meaning "tide" or "flow," giving it the meaning "son of the sea" or "great tide." In Welsh mythology, Dylan Eil Ton (Dylan Son of the Wave) was a sea god who could swim as well as any fish the moment he was baptized in the ocean. The name was relatively uncommon outside Wales until the 20th century, when the Welsh poet Dylan Thomas brought it international attention. The adoption of the name by the American singer-songwriter Bob Dylan (born Robert Zimmerman) further boosted its popularity. Dylan has been a top-50 name in the United States since the 1990s and is widely used across the English-speaking world.
How is Dylan used around the world?
Dylan is used in 3 languages worldwide, with 1+ international variants.
TypeUnisex name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Dylan?
Famous People Named Dylan
- Dylan Thomas — Welsh poet and writer known for "Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night"
- Bob Dylan — American singer-songwriter and Nobel laureate in literature
- Dylan O'Brien — American actor known for the Maze Runner film series
Similar Names to Dylan
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Sibling Name Ideas for Dylan
Looking for names that pair well with Dylan? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Dylan mean?
Dylan is a boy name of Welsh origin meaning "Son of the sea." Dylan is a Welsh name derived from the elements "dy," meaning "great," and "llanw," meaning "tide" or "flow," giving it the meaning "son of the sea" or "great tide." In Welsh mythology, Dylan Eil Ton (Dylan Son of the Wave) was a sea god who could swim as well as any fish the moment he was baptized in the ocean.
How do you pronounce Dylan?
Dylan is pronounced DIL-un. Common variations include Dillon, Dillan, Dyllan.
Is Dylan a boy name?
Yes, Dylan is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include Dyl, D.