"faithful, loyal"
Origin: Old Irish Dallán
Language: Irish
Dillion
Pronunciation: [ d-IHLY-uhn ]
Does Dillion flow with your last name?
An Irish classic meaning loyal as a lion with rugged American appeal
Irish
Welsh
American
English
Strong
Classic
Traditional
Bold
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"like a lion, of Leon"
Origin: Old French de Leon
Language: French
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The Story of Dillion
Dillion is a variant spelling of Dillon, which derives from the Old Irish 'Dallán' (meaning 'faithful' or 'loyal') or from the Old French 'de Leon' (of Lion). It became an Irish surname and later a given name with wide appeal. The Welsh name Dylan (meaning 'son of the sea') is etymologically separate but has become conflated with Dillon in modern use. The 'illion' spelling is an Anglicized variant that emphasizes the three-syllable pronunciation.
Dillon reached peak popularity in the United States in the 1990s-2000s, fueled in part by the character James Dillon on Beverly Hills 90210 and the TV marshal Matt Dillon from Gunsmoke. The Dillion spelling is less common and gives the name a slightly distinctive appearance.
Dillon is a significant Irish surname-turned-given-name, carried by notable Irish families. In America, the name has been embraced across ethnic groups as a sturdy, approachable name with both Celtic and cowboy connotations. Bob Dylan (born Robert Zimmerman) famously chose a stage name inspired by poet Dylan Thomas, adding literary prestige.
Historical Record
Dillion first appeared in US Social Security records in 1979.
Over 3,638 babies have been named Dillion in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Dillion is past its peak , currently ranked #5,680 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Bob Dylan took his stage name inspired by Welsh poet Dylan Thomas, blending two rich cultural traditions
- Matt Dillon was the iconic US Marshal in Gunsmoke, one of TV's longest-running Western dramas (1955-1975)
Dillion in Other Languages
Irish
Dallán
Welsh
Dylan
French
Dillon
Spanish
Dillon
Popularity Over Time
#5,680
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Peaked 1992
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Dillion
M
Matt Dillon
Actor
1964
American actor known for films like Crash, Drugstore Cowboy, and There's Something About Mary
M
Matt Dillon (Marshal) Fictional
Other
Fictional US Marshal protagonist of the long-running TV Western Gunsmoke, played by James Arness
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #5,680
- Total SSA Count
- 17
- Cultural Origins
- Irish Welsh American English
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- 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, 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
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Dillion
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Dillion is also used as a girl name, ranked #24657.
View Dillion as a girl name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Dillion
What does the name Dillion mean?
"faithful, loyal" (from Old Irish Dallán). "like a lion, of Leon" (from Old French de Leon). Dillion is a variant spelling of Dillon, which derives from the Old Irish 'Dallán' (meaning 'faithful' or 'loyal') or from the Old French 'de Leon' (of Lion). It became an Irish surname and later a given name with wide appeal. The Welsh name Dylan (meaning 'son of the sea') is etymologically separate but has become conflated with Dillon in modern use. The 'illion' spelling is an Anglicized variant that emphasizes the three-syllable pronunciation.
What is the origin of the name Dillion?
Dillion has Old Irish Dallán, Old French de Leon, Irish, Welsh, American, and English origins. In Old Irish Dallán, it means "faithful, loyal". In Old French de Leon, it means "like a lion, of Leon".
Is Dillion a boy or girl name?
Dillion is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #5680. As a girl name, it is ranked #24657. Dillion is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Dillion?
Dillion is pronounced d-IHLY-uhn.
How popular is the name Dillion?
Dillion is currently ranked #5680 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Dillion?
Common nicknames for Dillion include Dil and Dilly.
What are good middle names for Dillion?
Popular middle name pairings include Dillion James, Dillion Patrick, Dillion Michael, Dillion Thomas, Dillion Robert, and Dillion Connor.
What are good sibling names for Dillion?
Names that pair well with Dillion as siblings include Finn, Declan, Connor, Siobhan, Maeve, Quinn, Dylan, and Brennan.
How many syllables does Dillion have?
Dillion has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Dillion a common or rare name?
Dillion is an uncommon name, ranked #5680 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What boy names are similar to Dillion?
About the Name Dillion
Dillion is a boy name with Irish, Welsh, American, and English origins . The name means "faithful, loyal" in Old Irish Dallán .
Is Dillion a boy or girl name? Dillion is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #5,680 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #24,657. Dillion is more commonly used as a boy name.
Dillion is currently ranked #5,680 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Dillion has 3 syllables and is pronounced d-IHLY-uhn, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Dillion include Dil and Dilly. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Dillion include Dillon, 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