"great tide, son of the sea"
Origin: Welsh
Language: Welsh
Dillon
Pronunciation: [ d-IHL-uhn ]
Does Dillon flow with your last name?
Lion-hearted and sea-born — Irish grit with Western swagger
Irish
Welsh
American
English
Classic
Earthy
Bold
Strong
Playful
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"from the city of lions"
Origin: Old French
Language: French
"loyal"
Origin: Irish Gaelic
Language: Irish
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The Story of Dillon
Dillon is primarily an Anglicized form of the Irish surname Diolun, itself thought to derive from the Welsh Dylon or Dylan, meaning great sea or son of the sea. Alternatively, it connects to the Old French de Leon, meaning from the city of Lyon, referring to the lion (leon). In Ireland, Dillon became a prominent Anglo-Norman surname after the Dillon family arrived with the Norman invasion. As a first name, Dillon is a variant spelling of Dylan.
Dillon gained traction as a given name in America during the 1990s, partly as a variant of the more common Dylan, and partly from the TV Western Gunsmoke, whose main character was Marshal Matt Dillon. It has remained a steady mid-tier choice with strong appeal in Irish-American families.
In Irish history, the Dillon family were powerful Anglo-Norman lords known as the Dillons of Westmeath. Marshal Matt Dillon of Gunsmoke, one of television's most iconic Western characters, gave the name a rugged, lawman quality in American consciousness.
Historical Record
Dillon first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 64,441 babies have been named Dillon in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Dillon is past its peak , currently ranked #870 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Marshal Matt Dillon was the protagonist of Gunsmoke, one of the longest-running TV Westerns in history
- The Dylan Thomas connection gives the name literary prestige even in its alternate Dillon spelling
Dillon in Other Languages
Irish
Diolun
Welsh
Dylan
French
Dillon
English
Dillon
Spanish
Dillon
Popularity Over Time
#870
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Peaked 1992
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Dillon
M
Matt Dillon
Actor
1964
American actor known for Drugstore Cowboy, There's Something About Mary, and Crash
M
Marshal Matt Dillon Fictional
Other
The iconic fictional lawman of Gunsmoke, one of the most beloved Western TV characters in American history
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #870
- Total SSA Count
- 276
- Cultural Origins
- Irish Welsh American English
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Dil
Dilly
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Dillon
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Dillon is also used as a girl name, ranked #3236.
View Dillon as a girl name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Dillon
What does the name Dillon mean?
"great tide, son of the sea" (from Welsh). "from the city of lions" (from Old French). "loyal" (from Irish Gaelic). Dillon is primarily an Anglicized form of the Irish surname Diolun, itself thought to derive from the Welsh Dylon or Dylan, meaning great sea or son of the sea. Alternatively, it connects to the Old French de Leon, meaning from the city of Lyon, referring to the lion (leon). In Ireland, Dillon became a prominent Anglo-Norman surname after the Dillon family arrived with the Norman invasion. As a first name, Dillon is a variant spelling of Dylan.
What is the origin of the name Dillon?
Dillon has Welsh, Old French, Irish Gaelic, Irish, American, and English origins. In Welsh, it means "great tide, son of the sea". In Old French, it means "from the city of lions". In Irish Gaelic, it means "loyal".
Is Dillon a boy or girl name?
Dillon is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #870. As a girl name, it is ranked #3236. Dillon is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Dillon?
Dillon is pronounced d-IHL-uhn.
How popular is the name Dillon?
Dillon is currently ranked #870 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Dillon?
Common nicknames for Dillon include Dil and Dilly.
What are good middle names for Dillon?
Popular middle name pairings include Dillon James, Dillon Ray, Dillon Cole, Dillon Scott, Dillon Wayne, and Dillon Lee.
What are good sibling names for Dillon?
Names that pair well with Dillon as siblings include Connor, Liam, Shannon, Erin, Brady, and Keira.
How many syllables does Dillon have?
Dillon has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Dillon a common or rare name?
Dillon is moderately common, ranked #870 for boys in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.
What boy names are similar to Dillon?
Are there other spellings for Dillon?
Related spellings include Dillan.
About the Name Dillon
Dillon is a boy name with Irish, Welsh, American, and English origins . The name means "great tide, son of the sea" in Welsh .
Is Dillon a boy or girl name? Dillon is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #870 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #3,236. Dillon is more commonly used as a boy name.
Dillon is currently ranked #870 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Dillon has 2 syllables and is pronounced d-IHL-uhn, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Dillon include Dil and Dilly. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Dillon include Dillan . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis