Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Waylon
BoyEnglish, Old English· “form of Wayland, the legendary smith”
- Meaning
- form of Wayland, the legendary smith
- Origin
- English, Old English
- Pronunciation
- WAY-luhn
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #56
- US babies 2025
- 5,408
- Best rank
- #56 (2025)
- Peak year
- 2025
Meaning and origin of Waylon
Waylon is an English and Old English name that is usually said to mean “form of Wayland, the legendary smith”.
Waylon is a form of Wayland, the English name of a legendary smith known in Old English as Weland and in Old Norse as Völundr. The meaning of the original name is uncertain; the popular explanation "land by the road" is a folk reading of the English form. Wayland's Smithy, a Neolithic tomb in Oxfordshire, takes its name from the legend. In the United States, Waylon is closely tied to the country singer Waylon Jennings, and it has a relaxed, rugged Southern feel. It has become much more popular in recent years. Way is a possible nickname, and the name pairs well with other country-flavored choices.
Popularity over time
Waylon first appears in US Social Security records in 1911. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 52 different years, starting in 1968. It is at its all-time high right now: 2025 brought both its best national rank, #56, and its highest count, 5,408 babies. Use has grown 207% in ten years.
Its national rank moved from #3,198 in 1920, #2,434 in 1950, #419 in 1980, #1,082 in 2000, #421 in 2010, and #56 in 2025. Of the 55,048 US boys named Waylon since records began, 52% were born in the 2020s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 17,612 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Weston, Wesley, Beau, Thiago, and Brooks.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Waylon ranked highest in West Virginia, Kentucky, and Mississippi.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| West Virginia | #1 | 115 |
| Kentucky | #4 | 223 |
| Mississippi | #6 | 106 |
| Montana | #7 | 43 |
| Oklahoma | #8 | 138 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 99% of US babies named Waylon over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Waylon is usually pronounced WAY-luhn, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with W and ends in “-on”.
Middle names for Waylon
A few middle names that flow with Waylon: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Waylon
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Lists that include Waylon
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Waylon mean?
Waylon is an English and Old English name that is usually said to mean “form of Wayland, the legendary smith”.
What is the origin of the name Waylon?
Waylon has English and Old English roots. Waylon is a form of Wayland, the English name of a legendary smith known in Old English as Weland and in Old Norse as Völundr.
Is Waylon a popular name?
Yes. Waylon ranked #56 in the US in 2025, which makes it one of the 100 most popular names.
Is Waylon a boy or girl name?
Waylon is mainly a boy's name. About 99% of US babies named Waylon over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Waylon?
Waylon is usually pronounced WAY-luhn. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings