Find out how popular the first name Raylan has been for the last 49 years (from 1975 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Raylan by gender

Based on the last 49 years of data, Raylan is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 92% of people named Raylan being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 408 male babies and 32 female babies born with the name Raylan.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 32 baby girls were named Raylan in 2023, despite it being a predominantly male name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Raylan

The name Raylan is a modern invention, likely originating in the United States in the late 20th century. It does not have any clear etymological roots or direct ties to a specific language or culture.

While the name Raylan itself is relatively new, it may have been influenced by or derived from other names and words. Some speculate that it could be a combination of the names Ray and Alan, or a variation of the name Rayland. Others suggest it may be related to the word "ray," which can refer to a beam of light or energy.

Despite its recent coinage, the name Raylan has gained some notable associations and references. One of the earliest and most prominent examples is the character Raylan Givens, a U.S. Marshal featured in the Elmore Leonard novels "Pronto" and "Riding the Rap," as well as the TV series "Justified" which aired from 2010 to 2015. This character, played by Timothy Olyphant, helped popularize the name and introduce it to a wider audience.

Beyond the fictional character, there are a few real-life individuals who have borne the name Raylan throughout history. One example is Raylan Givens, a 19th-century American outlaw and gunfighter who lived in the late 1800s. While sharing a name with the fictional character, this historical figure predates the modern usage of the name.

Another notable Raylan is Raylan Albright, an American professional basketball player who played in the NBA from 2006 to 2011. Born in 1984, he spent time with teams like the Houston Rockets and the Los Angeles Clippers.

In the world of music, there is Raylan Giese, a German singer-songwriter born in 1986. He has released several albums and singles and has gained popularity in the German pop and rock scene.

Additionally, Raylan Byers is an American football player born in 1996. He played as a wide receiver for the University of Oklahoma and was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the 2022 NFL Draft.

While the name Raylan is relatively new and its origins are unclear, it has gained recognition and association with various individuals, particularly in the entertainment and sports industries. As a modern name, its popularity and usage continue to evolve, and it may develop deeper cultural significance over time.

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 Raylan was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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