Dylan
Meaning: Son of the sea; great tide
Origin: Welsh — from Dylan (דילן): dy (great) + llanw (tide, sea)
Gender: Unisex
Rank in Ireland: #35
Total births: 12,792
History: Dylan surged in Ireland partly through Bob Dylan but also through its Celtic Welsh-Irish connections. The name thrives on GAA pitches across Leinster and Munster. Dylan Moran from Navan became one of Ireland's sharpest comedians, bringing dark Irish wit to the world stage.
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Look at the data
Every number here comes directly from Ireland’s birth records. No estimates, no averages — just the counts.
| Current rank (2025) | #69 |
| Babies named Dylan in 2025 | 84 |
| Total recorded in Ireland | 12,792 |
| Peak year | 2001 (538 babies) |
| Highest rank ever | #7 |
| Years in records | 1969–2025 (55 years of data) |
| Change over last 5 years | ↓ 41 spots |
Frequently asked about Dylan
What does the name Dylan mean?
Dylan means “Son of the sea; great tide” from Welsh — from Dylan (דילן): dy (great) + llanw (tide, sea) roots.
What is the origin of the name Dylan?
Dylan has Welsh — from Dylan (דילן): dy (great) + llanw (tide, sea) origin. The traditional meaning is “Son of the sea; great tide”.
How popular is Dylan in Ireland?
Dylan ranked #69 in Ireland in 2025 — given to 84 babies that year.
When was Dylan most popular?
Dylan peaked in 2001 with 538 babies registered that year in Ireland.
Is Dylan a boy or girl name?
Dylan is predominantly a boys' name in Ireland — over 90% of Dylans in registered births are male.
Is the name Dylan rising or falling in popularity?
Dylan has fallen 41 spots in the rankings over the last 5 years in Ireland — from #28 in 2020 to #69 in 2025.
How long has Dylan been recorded in Ireland?
Dylan appears in birth records in Ireland across 55 years — from 1969 through 2025.