Dylan

boyWelsh

Dylan is a boy name of Welsh origin, meaning “Great tide; son of the sea”.

MeaningGreat tide; son of the sea
GenderBoy
OriginWelsh
PronunciationDIL-un
TraditionModern & Classic
Used inUnited States, United Kingdom, France, Netherlands

Meaning and origin of Dylan

Dylan comes from Welsh mythology. In the medieval Mabinogion, Dylan ail Don is a sea-being who dives into the ocean straight after his baptism. The name is usually explained from Welsh elements meaning 'great' and 'tide' or 'flow', though the exact etymology is debated. The poet Dylan Thomas made it famous, and Bob Dylan took his stage name from it.

Is Dylan a religious name?

Dylan has no religious background; it is drawn from Welsh legend.

How popular is Dylan?

Widely used for boys in English-speaking and European countries since the 1990s, and sometimes for girls.

Gifts with the name Dylan

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Spellings and variants of Dylan

DillonDilanDyllan

Names similar to Dylan

More boy names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Dylan mean?

Dylan means 'Great tide; son of the sea'. It is of Welsh origin.

Does Dylan have a religious meaning?

Dylan has no religious background; it is drawn from Welsh legend.

How do you pronounce Dylan?

Dylan is pronounced DIL-un.

Is Dylan a boy or girl name?

Dylan is usually a boy name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.