Dillon is a name of Irish origin, derived from the Irish surname Ó Dálláin. The surname itself comes from the Irish given name Dállán, which means "little daisy" in Gaelic. The name has been associated with Ireland for centuries and was brought to other parts of the world by Irish immigrants.
The first recorded use of the name Dillon as a given name is believed to have occurred in the United States during the late 19th century. However, it was not until the mid-20th century that the name began to gain significant popularity. Today, Dillon is considered a popular choice for baby boys and has been consistently ranked among the top 1,000 names for boys in the United States since the 1970s.
Despite its Irish origins, Dillon has also gained popularity in other countries around the world, including Canada, Australia, and South Africa. In some cases, the name may have been influenced by famous figures named Dillon, such as the American actor Matt Dillon or the Australian cricketer Dean Dillon.
Overall, the name Dillon is a strong and distinctive choice that combines Irish heritage with modern popularity. Its meaning, "little daisy," adds a touch of sweetness to this powerful name. Whether you're looking for a name with Irish roots, one that's easy to pronounce and spell, or simply a unique option for your baby boy, Dillon is an excellent choice.
The name Dillon has been popular in the United States over the past century, with a significant increase in its usage since the late 1970s. Between 1892 and 1948, there were fewer than 20 births per year for boys named Dillon. However, starting from 1949, this number began to steadily rise.
In 1961, there were 12 births with the name Dillon, marking a significant uptick in popularity compared to previous decades. The trend continued throughout the 1960s and 1970s, reaching 36 births in 1973. By 1974, the number of boys named Dillon had doubled from the previous year, indicating that the name was gaining traction.
The late 1970s and early 1980s saw an even more pronounced surge in popularity for the name Dillon. In 1979, there were 99 births, and this number increased to 168 in 1980. The trend continued throughout the decade, with a peak of 3634 births in 1991.
However, after reaching its peak popularity, the name Dillon experienced a gradual decline in usage. Between 1992 and 2022, there were an average of around 500 births per year for boys named Dillon, with fluctuations from a low of 360 in 2022 to a high of 877 in 2011.
In conclusion, while the name Dillon has seen periods of significant popularity and decline over the past century, it remains a relatively common choice among parents in the United States. The data shows that its usage has been influenced by various trends, with no clear pattern indicating any specific factors contributing to its rise or fall in popularity.