"great tide, sea flow"
Origin: Welsh
Language: Welsh
Dillan
Pronunciation: [ d-IHL-uhn ]
Does Dillan flow with your last name?
A Celtic sea name made legendary by Bob Dylan
Welsh
English
Irish
American
Classic
Strong
Earthy
Bold
Vintage
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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The Story of Dillan
Dillan is an alternate spelling of Dylan, a name from Welsh mythology meaning 'son of the sea' or 'born from the waves'. In Welsh legend, Dylan ail Don was a sea deity who swam to the ocean at birth and was given dominion over the waves. The name comes from the Welsh words meaning 'great tide'. It is one of Wales's most treasured mythological names.
Dylan and variants like Dillan/Dillon surged in English-speaking popularity largely due to rock musician Bob Dylan, who took the name inspired by Welsh poet Dylan Thomas. The name peaked in the US top 25 during the 1990s-2000s. The Dillan spelling offers a subtle variation.
Dylan is deeply rooted in Welsh cultural identity and appears prominently in the Mabinogion, the collection of Welsh mythological tales. Dylan Thomas gave the name global literary prestige. Bob Dylan ensured it became a symbol of artistic rebellion and counterculture.
Historical Record
Dillan first appeared in US Social Security records in 1975.
Over 6,966 babies have been named Dillan in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Dillan is past its peak , currently ranked #2,887 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Dylan is the name of a sea god in Welsh mythology who immediately swam into the ocean at birth
- Bob Dylan chose this name in homage to Welsh poet Dylan Thomas
- Dylan was a top-20 baby name in the US, UK, Australia, and Ireland simultaneously in the 2000s
Dillan in Other Languages
Irish
Dillan
Welsh
Dylan
French
Dylan
Spanish
Dilan
Portuguese
Dylan
Popularity Over Time
#2,887
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Peaked 1992
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Dillan
B
Bob Dylan
Musician
1941
American singer-songwriter and Nobel Laureate in Literature, one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century
D
Dylan Thomas
Writer
1914
Welsh poet and writer, known for Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night and Under Milk Wood
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Compare Dillan with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #2,887
- Total SSA Count
- 44
- Cultural Origins
- Welsh English Irish American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Dill
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, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 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, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Dillan
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Dillan is also used as a girl name, ranked #11027.
View Dillan as a girl name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Dillan
What does the name Dillan mean?
"great tide, sea flow" (from Welsh). Dillan is an alternate spelling of Dylan, a name from Welsh mythology meaning 'son of the sea' or 'born from the waves'. In Welsh legend, Dylan ail Don was a sea deity who swam to the ocean at birth and was given dominion over the waves. The name comes from the Welsh words meaning 'great tide'. It is one of Wales's most treasured mythological names.
What is the origin of the name Dillan?
Dillan has Welsh, English, Irish, and American origins. In Welsh, it means "great tide, sea flow".
Is Dillan a boy or girl name?
Dillan is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #2887. As a girl name, it is ranked #11027. Dillan is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Dillan?
Dillan is pronounced d-IHL-uhn.
How popular is the name Dillan?
Dillan is currently ranked #2887 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Dillan?
Common nicknames for Dillan include Dill.
What are good middle names for Dillan?
Popular middle name pairings include Dillan James, Dillan Lee, Dillan Thomas, Dillan Michael, Dillan Owen, and Dillan Rhys.
What are good sibling names for Dillan?
Names that pair well with Dillan as siblings include Brennan, Kieran, Declan, Sienna, Bryn, Maren, and Owen.
How many syllables does Dillan have?
Dillan has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Dillan a common or rare name?
Dillan is an uncommon name, ranked #2887 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What boy names are similar to Dillan?
Are there other spellings for Dillan?
Related spellings include Dillon.
About the Name Dillan
Dillan is a boy name with Welsh, English, Irish, and American origins . The name means "great tide, sea flow" in Welsh .
Is Dillan a boy or girl name? Dillan is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #2,887 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #11,027. Dillan is more commonly used as a boy name.
Dillan is currently ranked #2,887 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Dillan has 2 syllables and is pronounced d-IHL-uhn, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Dillan include Dill. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Dillan include Dillon . 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