Dylan
Meaning: Son of the sea; great tide
Origin: Welsh — from Dylan (דילן): dy (great) + llanw (tide, sea)
Gender: Unisex
Rank in New Zealand: #84
Total births: 7,336
History: Dylan has been hugely popular in modern New Zealand, a Celtic name that suits the Kiwi love of music and nature. The name thrived from the 1990s onward, fitting for a generation of surf-loving, rugby-playing Kiwi kids. Dylan suits Aotearoa's creative spirit — musical, free-spirited, and connected to the land.
Explore more at New Zealand Baby Names on BabyNa.me
Look at the data
Every number here comes directly from New Zealand’s birth records. No estimates, no averages — just the counts.
| Current rank (2025) | #194 |
| Babies named Dylan in 2025 | 25 |
| Total recorded in New Zealand | 7,336 |
| Peak year | 1992 (495 babies) |
| Highest rank ever | #7 |
| Years in records | 1970–2025 (56 years of data) |
| Change over last 5 years | ↓ 114 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 New Zealand?
Dylan ranked #194 in New Zealand in 2025 — given to 25 babies that year.
When was Dylan most popular?
Dylan peaked in 1992 with 495 babies registered that year in New Zealand.
Is Dylan a boy or girl name?
Dylan is predominantly a boys' name in New Zealand — over 90% of Dylans in registered births are male.
Is the name Dylan rising or falling in popularity?
Dylan has fallen 114 spots in the rankings over the last 5 years in New Zealand — from #80 in 2020 to #194 in 2025.
How long has Dylan been recorded in New Zealand?
Dylan appears in birth records in New Zealand across 56 years — from 1970 through 2025.