Rising since 1989, #56 for boys today.
Popularity of Waylon since 1911
Babies named Waylon per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 34 |
| 1920s | 107 |
| 1930s | 187 |
| 1940s | 181 |
| 1950s | 141 |
| 1960s | 320 |
| 1970s | 1,604 |
| 1980s | 1,945 |
| 1990s | 1,206 |
| 2000s | 3,345 |
| 2010s | 17,612 |
| 2020s | 28,366 |
Meaning & origin
Waylon is a name that experienced a striking revival in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. While first recorded in 1911, it remained rare until the 1990s. Since 1989 its popularity has been steadily rising, and in 2025 it reached its peak rank of 56th, with approximately 1 in 316 newborn boys receiving the name. The name's resurgence can be attributed to its rugged, musical associations and its similarity to other revival names like Brooks and Arlo. Top states for Waylon include West Virginia, Wyoming, and Montana, reflecting its strong appeal in rural and western regions. Its etymology links to Old English for 'land by the road' or the legendary Wayland the Smith, offering a blend of earthy and mythical roots.
Waylon is a variant of the Old English name Wayland, derived from the elements weg ('way' or 'road') and land ('land' or 'territory'), thus 'land by the road'. It also resonates with the legendary figure Wayland the Smith, a master craftsman in Germanic and Norse mythology. The name gained modern popularity as a given name in the United States during the 20th century, notably influenced by country music singer Waylon Jennings.
Where Waylon 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.
“Waylon” around the world
Where Waylon lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
10
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Way, Lonnie
Sibling names for Waylon
Names that share Waylon's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Dolly, June, Willow, Ruby, Mae, Lainey, Scottie, Addilynn, Maylene, Waylynn, Westlyn, Willodean, Wynonna, Harly, Kaizlee, Ladena, Jaynell, Waynetta
Brothers: Brooks, Arlo, Otto, Hank, Jesse, Maverick, Wyatt, Leon, Raylon, Waylen, Waymond, Jaxston, Jessejames, Kyngston, Wacey, Waylin, Graylon, Maylon, Trampus, Waylyn, Weylyn, Bocephus, Vaylen
Names like Waylon
Names whose popularity has moved with Waylon's over the last 50 years.
