Dylan
Male nameWelsh
✨ Meaning
Dylan derives from the Welsh 'dy' (great) and 'llanw' (tide, sea), meaning 'great sea' or 'son of the sea.' In Welsh mythology, Dylan eil Ton (Dylan son of wave) was a divine figure of the sea who immediately took to the water at birth. The name evokes the vast, mysterious power of the ocean.
🌍 Origin
In Welsh mythology, Dylan was born at his uncle Math's court and immediately ran to the sea, where he swam as well as any fish — so every wave breaking on shore weeps for him. The name gained enormous cultural cachet when Robert Zimmerman took the stage name Bob Dylan, becoming one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century.
📈 Popularity Trend
⭐ Famous People Named Dylan
- Bob Dylan
- Dylan Thomas
- Dylan O'Brien
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What does Dylan mean?
Dylan means 'great sea' or 'son of the sea wave' from Welsh. In Welsh mythology, Dylan was a divine sea figure who swam like a fish from birth.
Is Dylan a popular name?
Dylan has been in the top 40 US boys names since the 1990s, fueled by Bob Dylan's enormous cultural influence and used for both boys and girls.
What are similar names to Dylan?
Similar names include Rowan, Brendan, Morgan, Colin, and Declan — all Celtic names with a musical, poetic, sea-touched quality.
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