Boy · 26th of 24,088
Dylan
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
428,351
Total Births
145
Years of Data
2001
Peak Popularity Year
16,696
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Dylan stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
Jump to a section
Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
Dylan is a Welsh name meaning 'son of the sea,' derived from the words 'dy' and 'llanw.' It has evolved through various forms, including a Latinized version. The name is associated with creativity and has no biblical background. It gained significant popularity in the mid-20th century, largely due to the influence of notable figures like Dylan Thomas and Bob Dylan.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈdɪlən/
Origin
Welsh
Etymology
The name Dylan is derived from the Welsh word 'dy' meaning 'great' and 'llanw' meaning 'tide' or 'flow'. It is often associated with the mythological figure Dylan ail Don, a sea god in Welsh legend.
Meaning
son of the sea
Language Evolution
Dylan (modern Welsh), Dillan (Old Welsh variant), Dylanus (Latinized form)
Historical Usage
The name Dylan gained popularity in the 20th century, particularly after the famous Welsh poet Dylan Thomas became well-known in the 1940s and 1950s.
Variants & Derivatives
Dillan, Dilan, Dyllan
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, Dylan is viewed as a trendy and artistic name, often associated with creativity and depth due to its ties to literature and music.
Famous People
Dylan Thomas, Bob Dylan, Dylan O'Brien
Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Declining
25-Year Trend:
Gradually Declining
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Declining
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Explore popularity by location
Geographic charts live in focused views so this report stays readable. Choose the level of detail you need.
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 16,696 peak births in 2001
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Nevada
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 9 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 3 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Full popularity table across American generations 9 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 2195th of 7552 | 260 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 445th of 10718 | 5,379 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 61st of 16616 | 91,934 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 26th of 24088 | 213,918 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 33rd of 23106 | 100,931 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 6705th of 19264 | 106 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 1577th of 27321 | 1,436 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 692nd of 35406 | 6,358 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 477th of 30306 | 8,029 |