Find out how popular the first name Dillinger has been for the last 32 years (from 1992 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Dillinger by gender

Based on the last 32 years of data, Dillinger is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Dillinger.

The history of the first name Dillinger

The name Dillinger is a German surname that has its origins in the Middle Ages. It is derived from the German word "dillen," which means "to throb" or "to resound." This suggests that the name may have initially been given to someone who had a loud or resonant voice.

In the 14th century, the name Dillinger was recorded in various regions of Germany, particularly in the areas around Saxony and Franconia. It is believed that the name may have been adopted as a first name by some families after it had been established as a surname.

While there are no known instances of the name Dillinger appearing in ancient texts or religious scriptures, it gained notoriety in the early 20th century due to the infamous American gangster John Dillinger, who was born in 1903 and died in 1934. John Dillinger was a notorious bank robber and criminal who became a folk hero during the Great Depression for his daring exploits and escape from jail.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Dillinger as a first name can be found in the case of Johann Dillinger, a German composer and organist who lived from 1625 to 1673. He is known for his compositions for the organ and his work as a church musician in various cities in Germany.

Another notable figure named Dillinger was Philipp Dillinger, a German painter and engraver who lived from 1679 to 1746. He was known for his religious paintings and engravings, many of which were commissioned by churches and monasteries in Bavaria.

In the 19th century, there was a German-American businessman named Dillinger Kunhardt, who was born in 1835 and died in 1919. He was a successful entrepreneur and founder of the Kunhardt & Co. publishing company, which was based in New York City.

In more recent times, there was a German-American actor named Dillinger Steele, who was born in 1925 and died in 2010. He had a prolific career in television and film, appearing in shows such as "Gunsmoke" and "The Rifleman."

It is worth noting that while the name Dillinger may have gained some infamy due to its association with the notorious gangster John Dillinger, it has also been borne by individuals who have made significant contributions in various fields, including music, art, and business.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Dillinger was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Dillinger, please contact us.

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