Dwaylon is a unique and distinctive given name of American origin. It is believed to have been coined by author Stephen King for his character Dwayne "Dwaylon" Harris in his 1978 novel, "Night Shift". The name has since gained popularity outside of the literary world.
The meaning and history of the name Dwaylon are not well-documented, as it is a relatively modern creation. However, some sources suggest that the name may be derived from the Welsh name Dwfn, which means "deep" or "abyss". Alternatively, it could possibly be a blend of the names Dwane and Wayne.
The name Dwaylon has not been widely used throughout history, with its most notable appearance being in Stephen King's novel. Despite this, the name has gained some popularity in recent years, particularly in English-speaking countries such as the United States.
In terms of popularity, Dwaylon is still considered a rare name. According to data from the Social Security Administration, it has never ranked among the top 1000 names for boys in the United States since records began in 1879.
Overall, Dwaylon is an uncommon and unusual given name with an unclear etymology. While its origins are somewhat mysterious, its use by Stephen King has contributed to its recognition and popularity in recent years.
The name Dwaylon has been consistently popular among parents in the United States over the past few decades, with a total of 20 babies being born with this name since 1973. The name first appeared on the birth records in 1973 and again in 1975, with five births each year. After a gap of nearly two decades, the name resurfaced in 1988 with another five births. Most recently, Dwaylon was given to five newborns in the United States in the year 2012. This steady occurrence over time suggests that the name has maintained a niche appeal among parents who choose unique and distinctive names for their children.