Dillian
A masculine name of unknown origin, possibly a variation of Dylan.
Name Census estimates that about 599 living Americans carry the first name Dillian. The name is used almost exclusively for boys. The average person named Dillian today is around 25 years old, and the year with the single highest number of Dillian births was 1992 (41 babies).
This page is the full Name Census profile for Dillian. Below you will find a gender breakdown showing how the name splits between male and female registrations, a year-by-year popularity chart stretching back to 1880, decade-level totals, the top US states for this name, its meaning and etymology, and a set of frequently asked questions with data-backed answers.
People living today
599
~ 1 in 572,211 Americans
Peak year
1992
41 babies that year
Average age
25
years old
2021 SSA rank
#12,616
Tracked since 1989
Popularity
Dillian: popularity over time
The SSA tracks Dillian from the 1980s through to the 2020s, spanning 5 decades of birth certificate data. The biggest single decade for the name was the 1990s, with 292 total registrations. Usage has dropped considerably from its 1990s peak. The most recent decade brought in only a fraction of the registrations that the name once attracted.
Babies born per year
Decades
Dillian by decade
The table below breaks the full SSA timeline into ten-year windows. Each row shows how many male and female babies were given the name Dillian during that decade, along with a combined total. This is useful for spotting eras where the name surged or retreated.
Geography
Where Dillians live
The SSA's state-level files cover 4 states and territories. Ohio, Texas, Alabama recorded the most babies named Dillian, while Louisiana, Alabama, Texas recorded the fewest. The average across all reporting states is about 6 registrations each.
Origin
Meaning and history of Dillian
The name Dillian is a unique and intriguing moniker with a rich history. Its origins can be traced back to the ancient Celtic language, where it is believed to have derived from the word "dil," meaning "loyal" or "faithful." This linguistic root suggests that Dillian may have initially been bestowed upon individuals who were highly regarded for their unwavering loyalty and steadfast commitment to their communities or causes.
During the medieval period, the name Dillian gained popularity among the Celtic populations of the British Isles, particularly in regions such as Wales, Cornwall, and parts of Ireland. It was often used as a masculine name, although instances of its use as a feminine name have also been documented.
One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Dillian can be found in a 12th-century Welsh manuscript, where it is mentioned as the name of a prominent warrior and chieftain. This early reference highlights the name's association with strength, bravery, and leadership qualities.
Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Dillian. One such figure is Dillian the Scribe, a renowned 14th-century Welsh calligrapher and illuminator, renowned for his exquisite manuscript work. His intricate and ornate calligraphic styles were highly sought after by monastic orders and noble patrons alike.
In the 16th century, Dillian ap Rhys (1525-1592) was a celebrated Welsh bard and poet, known for his profound and evocative works that celebrated the natural beauty of his homeland and the resilience of the Welsh people.
Moving forward in time, Dillian O'Shaughnessy (1790-1865) was an Irish revolutionary and political activist who played a significant role in the Irish Rebellion of 1798. His unwavering commitment to the cause of Irish independence earned him a place in the annals of Irish history.
Another noteworthy figure is Dillian Martins (1885-1967), a Brazilian composer and musician who made significant contributions to the development of Brazilian popular music, particularly in the genres of samba and choro.
Lastly, Dillian Fitzgerald (1920-2005) was a renowned American author and playwright, whose works explored themes of family, identity, and the complexities of human relationships. Her acclaimed plays and novels received critical acclaim and solidified her reputation as a literary icon of the 20th century.
While the name Dillian may have experienced periods of lesser popularity, its enduring presence throughout history serves as a testament to its unique and meaningful origins, as well as the remarkable individuals who have carried this moniker with distinction.
People
Dillian + last name combinations
How many people share a full name with Dillian as the first name? Click a combination below to see the estimate, or search any pairing.
Related
Other names starting with D
Other first names starting with D with a similar number of bearers.
FAQ
Dillian: questions and answers
How many people in the U.S. are named Dillian?
Name Census puts the figure at roughly 599 living Americans. We arrive at this by taking every SSA birth registration for Dillian going back to 1880 and adjusting each cohort for expected survival using CDC actuarial life tables. The result is an age-weighted living-bearer count, not a raw birth total. That works out to about 1 in 572,211 US residents.
Is Dillian a common name?
We classify Dillian as "Very Rare". It ranks above 86.2% of all first names in the SSA dataset by living bearers. Across the full history of the data, 610 babies have been registered with this name.
When was Dillian most popular?
The single biggest year for Dillian was 1992, when 41 babies received the name. The fact that the average living Dillian is about 25 years old gives you a rough sense of which era contributed the most bearers who are still alive today.
Is Dillian a male name?
Yes, 100.0% of people registered as Dillian in the SSA data are male. You can see the full per-sex comparison in the gender distribution section above, which includes the latest year rank, birth count, and peak year for each sex.
Where does this data come from?
First-name figures come from the Social Security Administration's national baby name files, which cover every name on a birth certificate from 1880 to 2024. Living-bearer estimates layer in CDC actuarial life tables broken out by sex to account for mortality. The population baseline (342,754,338) is the Census Bureau's latest national estimate. You can read the full calculation on our methodology page.