A 1910s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Wayland since 1884
Babies named Wayland per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2023, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Wayland's real moment was 1912.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 18 |
| 1890s | 10 |
| 1900s | 13 |
| 1910s | 311 |
| 1920s | 482 |
| 1930s | 462 |
| 1940s | 479 |
| 1950s | 395 |
| 1960s | 390 |
| 1970s | 433 |
| 1980s | 264 |
| 1990s | 208 |
| 2000s | 157 |
| 2010s | 309 |
| 2020s | 289 |
Meaning & origin
Wayland is a distinctive English name with roots in Old English topography and Germanic legend. The name first appeared on U.S. records in 1884, and its peak popularity came in 1912. After decades of decline, Wayland has been on a gradual upward trajectory since 2002, suggesting a quiet revival driven by parents seeking names with a vintage but accessible sound. In 2025, it ranked 2284 with about 1 in 28001 male newborns receiving the name, with notable usage in Michigan, Virginia, and California. Its connection to the legendary smith Wayland adds a layer of strength and craftsmanship, while the straightforward pronunciation and friendly nickname options like Way or Lanny make it modernly appealing. Wayland remains uncommon enough to feel fresh, but its clear English pedigree and historical use give it substance beyond mere novelty.
Wayland derives from Old English words 'weg' meaning 'way, road, path' and 'land' meaning 'land'. It originated as a locative surname for someone who lived near a road. The name is also associated with the legendary smith Wayland (also spelled Weland or Volundr) in Germanic mythology, but the given name's usage is primarily from the English surname.
Where Wayland is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Way, Lanny
Variants: Weyland, Weland
Sibling names for Wayland
Names that share Wayland's style, for a brother or sister.
