MallowbyNames

Dillon

DIL-uhn · Derived from an Irish surname meaning 'loyal' or 'faithful', possibly from the Old Irish word 'díleas'.

2025 rank (boys)
#929
Babies named in 2025
253
Peak popularity
1992
2025 frequency
1 in 6,751 boys
Usually for
Boys
Trend
Declining since 1993

Declining since 1993, #929 for boys today.

Popularity of Dillon since 1892

Babies named Dillon per year in U.S. Social Security records.

1.7k3.4k5.1k192019602000Most births 1992Boys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeBoys
1890s12
1900s0
1910s127
1920s169
1930s123
1940s92
1950s76
1960s79
1970s483
1980s4,501
1990s32,661
2000s17,708
2010s7,170
2020s2,024

Meaning & origin

Dillon is a name with Irish roots that saw a surge in popularity during the late 20th century. First recorded in the U.S. in 1892, it climbed steadily and reached its peak year in 1992, when it ranked 221st. Since 1993, its usage has been falling. As of 2025, it stands at rank 929 with a 1-in-6,751 birth rate. The name has been most common in West Virginia, Louisiana, and Oregon. Dillon remains a recognizable choice that balances traditional Irish heritage with a modern sound. Its resemblance to the more popular Dylan sometimes leads to confusion, but Dillon has its own distinct history as an anglicized Irish surname.

Dillon originates from the Irish surname 'Ó Duilleáin' or 'Ó Diolúin', anglicized as Dillon. It is often associated with the Old Irish word 'díleas', meaning 'loyal' or 'faithful'. The surname was brought to Ireland by Norman settlers and later became established as a given name, particularly in the 20th century.

Where Dillon is most popular

Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.

2020s
Fewermore per 100k boystoo few births

Dillon” around the world

Where Dillon lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.

  • Ireland

    3

    babies in 2025

Sources: CSO Ireland (Ireland).

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Dill, Dilly

Variants: Dylan

Sibling names for Dillon

Names that share Dillon's style, for a brother or sister.

Names like Dillon

Names whose popularity has moved with Dillon's over the last 50 years.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

D is for Dillon, our favorite little boy.

D is for Dillon…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Dillon's letter becomes Dillon's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Dillon's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Dillon mean?
Dillon is an Irish name meaning 'loyal' or 'faithful', derived from the surname O'Dillon.
How popular is the name Dillon?
In 2025, Dillon ranked 929th in the U.S., with about 1 in every 6,751 baby boys given the name. Its peak popularity was in 1992, ranking 221st.
Is Dillon a boy or girl name?
Dillon is almost exclusively used as a boy's name in the U.S.