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Dillon

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Dillon Pronunciation

Dillon is pronounced DIL-ən /ˈdɪl.ən/High

Meaning: Irish surname from the Norman given name Dillon, possibly from de Leon, 'of the lion'Medium

In 30 seconds: An Irish surname spin on the sound of Dylan, here worn by girls. It carries Norman-Irish heritage and a soft, friendly rhythm.

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Origin MediumIrish, Welsh

MeaningIrish surname from the Norman given name Dillon, possibly from de Leon, 'of the lion'

U.S. rank (2024)#3228 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births49 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2020

Total births (all-time)≈ 1,004

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

As a surname, Dillon arrived in Ireland with the Anglo-Normans in the 1180s; scholars usually trace it to a Norman personal name, possibly from de Leon, suggesting lion-like courage, though a Gaelic source meaning 'loyal' is also proposed. As a first name, its sound merges with the unrelated Welsh Dylan, the sea-figure of the Mabinogi.

American parents adopted Dillon for sons in the 1980s and 1990s as a phonetic twin of Dylan, and a smaller number have chosen it for daughters, following Dylan itself, which gained genuine traction for girls. As a girl's name Dillon remains rare and modern-feeling despite its ancient roots.

Did you know? The Dillons were one of the great Anglo-Norman families of Ireland, holding lands in Westmeath from the twelfth century onward.

Overall data confidence 80%

Behind the Name — Dillon — etymologyOxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland — surname origin, disputed

Variations

DylanDillanDylann

Nicknames

DillDilly

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Dillon…

Dylan— the Welsh name Dillon respells, itself rising for girls

Delaney— a fellow Irish surname-name popular for daughters

Emerson— shares the borrowed-from-the-boys surname style

Carson— echoes that soft -on sound

Dana— another unisex pick

→ See all names like Dillon

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Frequently Asked

How do you pronounce Dillon?

Dillon is pronounced DIL-ən (/ˈdɪl.ən/). Press play above to hear Dillon said aloud.

How do you say Dillon?

Dillon is said DIL-ən (/ˈdɪl.ən/). Press play above to hear Dillon said aloud.

What does the name Dillon mean?

Dillon is an Irish surname of Norman origin, often linked to de Leon, 'of the lion', or a Gaelic word for 'loyal'; it also serves as a spelling of Welsh Dylan, associated with the sea.

Is Dillon a boy or girl name?

Dillon is mostly a boy's name; this page covers its rarer use for girls.

How popular is Dillon?

Dillon is a rare choice for girls in the U.S.