Dayan

♂ Boy

Pronounced dy-AN /daɪˈæn/Medium

Meaning: Judge; one who judgesHigh

In 30 seconds: Dayan is a Hebrew and Arabic name meaning 'judge' or 'religion.' It is familiar in Israel partly through celebrated general Moshe Dayan, and is also used across the Arab world.

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Origin HighHebrew, Arabic

MeaningJudge; one who judges

U.S. rank (2025)#3867 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births28 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2024

Total births (all-time)≈ 542

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

In Hebrew, dayan derives from the root din, meaning judgment or law. The title was applied to rabbinic judges in Jewish communities throughout the diaspora and remains a respected religious office.

The name gained international recognition through Moshe Dayan (1915–1981), the Israeli military commander and Defense Minister, recognizable by his distinctive eye patch. In Arabic contexts, Dayan relates to din (religion, way of life), giving the name a devotional meaning.

Did you know? In Jewish religious law, a dayan (plural dayyanim) is a judge who sits on a rabbinical court (beit din), making this name directly tied to a revered judicial office.

Overall data confidence 84%

The New Jewish Encyclopedia — Dayan as rabbinical judge title and given nameBehind the Name — Hebrew and Arabic etymology

Variations

DayonDaiyanDayyan

Nicknames

Day

Famous Bearers

★Moshe Dayan (1915–1981)
Israeli military leader and statesman who served as Chief of Staff and later Defence and Foreign Minister, helping negotiate the Camp David Accords

If you like Dayan…

Damon— two-syllable name with similar opening sound

Daylen— shares Day- prefix and modern feel

Dan— Hebrew name sharing the same din (judge) root

Osman— a similarly popular pick

Ivaan— echoes that soft -an sound

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Dayan mean?

Dayan means 'judge' in Hebrew, from the root din (law/judgment). In Arabic it relates to din meaning 'religion' or 'faith.'

How do you pronounce Dayan?

Dayan is pronounced dy-AN, with stress on the second syllable.

Is Dayan a boy or girl name?

Dayan is primarily used as a boy's name in both Hebrew and Arabic traditions.

How popular is Dayan?

Dayan is uncommon in English-speaking countries but is used in Israel and Arab-majority nations, with some diaspora use in the US.