Boy name · Welsh
Dylan
“son of the sea, wave”
Vibes
Common nicknames
Short-forms and diminutives parents often use for Dylan.
Explore Dylan further
Similar-feel alternatives, or middle-name candidates that pair well with Dylan — both ranked by the same scoring system (vibe overlap, syllable rhythm, origin compatibility).
About the name
Dylan is Welsh — dy llanw, "son of the sea, son of the wave" — a sea-god in the Mabinogion whose birth made the oceans weep. Then a poet from Swansea and a folk singer from Minnesota made it a name of restless genius.
Dylan has held the American top 50 for three decades, sitting forty-ninth in 2024, and remains quietly unisex.
The name carries salt water and song in equal measure. It pairs well with grounded middles (Dylan Reed, Dylan Charles) that anchor the tide. Vibe-wise it moves between Nature-Inspired and Boho — the wave and the guitar case.
More Welsh names
Dylan sits in our Welsh set — these share its roots.
All Welsh names →Dylan — common questions
Is Dylan a boy or girl name?
Dylan is traditionally a boy name of Welsh origin. It ranked #41 among US boys' names in 2025.
What does the name Dylan mean?
Dylan means “son of the sea, wave” of Welsh origin. Dylan is Welsh — dy llanw, "son of the sea, son of the wave" — a sea-god in the Mabinogion whose birth made the oceans weep. Then a poet from Swansea and a folk singer from Minnesota made it a name of restless genius.
Where does the name Dylan come from?
Dylan is Welsh in origin. Dylan has held the American top 50 for three decades, sitting forty-ninth in 2024, and remains quietly unisex.
What are common nicknames for Dylan?
Dyl — the short-forms parents most often use for Dylan.
How popular is Dylan?
Dylan ranked #41 in US Social Security Administration data for 2025, which puts it solidly in everyday use.
Bring the name into the room
A couple of nice things named Dylan you might want for the nursery.