Find out how popular the first name Waylen has been for the last 48 years (from 1976 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Waylen by gender

Based on the last 48 years of data, Waylen is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 97% of people named Waylen being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 402 male babies and 8 female babies born with the name Waylen.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 8 baby girls were named Waylen in 2023, despite it being a predominantly male name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Waylen

The given name Waylen is a modern invention, likely derived from a combination of the Old English word "weg" meaning "path" or "road" and the suffix "-len" which is a diminutive ending. It is not a traditional name with deep historical roots, but rather a creative name that has gained popularity in recent decades.

While the name itself does not have a long history, its component parts can be traced back to ancient languages. The Old English word "weg" is related to the Proto-Germanic "wegaz" and the Proto-Indo-European root "wegh-" meaning "to move" or "to carry." This root is also found in words like "wagon," "vehicle," and "weigh."

The earliest recorded use of the name Waylen is relatively recent, with no significant historical figures bearing this name until the 20th century. One of the earliest notable individuals with this name was Waylen Munro Jr. (1924-2017), an American business executive and philanthropist who served as the CEO of Munro Petroleum Company.

Another individual named Waylen was Waylen G. Carpenter (1926-2014), an American politician who served as a member of the Kentucky House of Representatives from 1967 to 1970. Waylen Jennings (1932-2002) was an American country music singer and songwriter, known for hits like "Mammas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys."

In the world of sports, there was Waylen Cullum (born 1974), a former American football tight end who played for the Miami Dolphins and the San Francisco 49ers in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Waylen Noyes (born 1948) is an American former professional baseball player who played as a catcher for the Milwaukee Brewers in the 1970s.

While the name Waylen does not have a long historical pedigree, its modern usage and unique combination of elements have contributed to its increasing popularity in recent years. However, due to its relatively recent origins, there are limited historical references or notable figures associated with this name prior to the 20th century.

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

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

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