Dylan vs William

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Dylan

Boy #28 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"son of the sea"

Origin: Welsh mythology

Cultural Roots

Welsh English American Irish

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#28
Total SSA Count
7,464
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Dyl

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Dylan →

William

Boy #10 Most Popular 3 Syllables

Meaning

"resolute protector, strong-willed guardian"

Origin: Germanic

Cultural Roots

English German French

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#10
Total SSA Count
10,596
Syllables
3
Formality
Formal
Nicknames
Will, Bill, Billy

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for William →

Popularity Comparison

Dylan Rank #28
William Rank #10

William is more popular, ranked #10 vs #28 for Dylan.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Dylan ___

  • Dylan James
  • Dylan Thomas
  • Dylan Lee
  • Dylan Ryan
  • Dylan Paul
  • Dylan Michael

William ___

  • William James
  • William Thomas
  • William Henry
  • William Alexander
  • William Edward
  • William Charles

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Dylan

Owen Rowan Nora Fiona Callum

If you choose William

Charlotte Eleanor Amelia Olivia Henry

Which Name Fits Your Family?

Answer 3 quick questions and we'll help you decide.

1. Which style feels more like your family?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dylan or William more popular?

William is more popular, ranked #10 compared to Dylan at #28 in the United States.

What do Dylan and William mean?

Dylan means "son of the sea" (Welsh mythology origin). William means "resolute protector, strong-willed guardian" (Germanic origin).

Are Dylan and William boy or girl names?

Dylan is primarily a boy name. William is primarily a boy name.

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