Dillan

Pronunciation: [ d-IHL-uhn ]

Boy Name #2,887 Most Popular Hidden Gem 2 Syllables

A Celtic sea name made legendary by Bob Dylan

Welsh English Irish American

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Meaning & Origin

"great tide, sea flow"

Origin: Welsh

Language: Welsh

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.

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

Famous People Named Dillan

Bob Dylan

Musician

1941

American singer-songwriter and Nobel Laureate in Literature, one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century

Dylan Thomas

Writer

1914

Welsh poet and writer, known for Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night and Under Milk Wood

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

Dillon #870

Common Nicknames

Dill

Pairs Well With

Dillan James Dillan Lee Dillan Thomas Dillan Michael Dillan Owen Dillan Rhys

Sibling Names

Brennan Kieran Declan Sienna Bryn Maren Owen

Also a Girl Name

Dillan is also used as a girl name, ranked #11027.

View Dillan as a girl name →

Similar Names

Dallas Duncan Colin Nolan Milan Dillon Donovan Killian

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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.

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.