Dylan
Dylan first appears in US records in 1953. It peaked in 2001, when 16,497 boys were given the name; in 2025 there were 6,208.
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Is Dylan popular?
Declining Dylan is given less often than it was a decade ago, well below its 2001 peak.
| 2020s | 41,138 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 96,354 | |
| 2000s | 140,125 | |
| 1990s | 122,074 | |
| 1980s | 14,171 | |
| 1970s | 4,036 | |
| 1960s | 684 | |
| 1950s | 97 |
Counts from US Social Security Administration data, 1880–2025.
What does Dylan mean?
Dylan is a Welsh name traditionally read as “son of the sea” or “great tide.” It belongs to a figure in Welsh mythology and was carried into the modern age by the poet Dylan Thomas and by Bob Dylan.
Nicknames for Dylan
- Dyl
Variants & spellings
- Dillon
- Dilan
Names like Dylan
Welsh names with a similar feel and popularity.
Names that pair well with Dylan
Popular Welsh names for a sibling or a middle name.
Explore related names
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Dylan mean?
Dylan means Son of the sea. Dylan is a Welsh name traditionally read as “son of the sea” or “great tide.” It belongs to a figure in Welsh mythology and was carried into the modern age by the poet Dylan Thomas and by Bob Dylan.
What is the origin of the name Dylan?
Dylan is of Welsh origin.
How do you pronounce Dylan?
Dylan is pronounced “DIL-an.”
Is Dylan a boy or a girl name?
Dylan is most commonly used as a boy name.
Is Dylan a popular name right now?
Dylan is given less often than it was a decade ago, well below its 2001 peak.
How popular is the name Dylan?
In 2025, Dylan ranked #41 among boys’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.
When was the name Dylan most popular?
Dylan was most popular in 2001, when about 16,497 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.
What are common nicknames for Dylan?
Common nicknames for Dylan include Dyl.
What names are similar to Dylan?
Names similar to Dylan include Owen, Ellis, Rhys, Emrys, Bryn.
What names go well with Dylan?
Welsh names that pair well with Dylan include Megan, Morgan, Owen, Reese, Ellis.