Waylon
Meaning of Waylon
Drawing on the Old English personal name Wayland—itself a vernacular reflex of the Germanic legendary smith Weland and traditionally glossed as “skilled craftsman” or, in topographic interpretation, “land by the road”—Waylon represents a streamlined American variant whose phonetic form (WAY-lən) offers a broad, sonorous opening followed by an unobtrusive schwa, qualities that have aided its retention in spoken English across regions. The name’s modern cultural valence is inseparable from the influence of country-music luminary Waylon Jennings; his prominence during the 1970s “outlaw” movement endowed the appellation with connotations of artistic independence, Southwestern grit, and an understated, guitar-twang charisma that continues to resonate in Anglo-American popular culture. This blend of archaic etymological depth and distinctly American cultural symbolism has translated into a measurable demographic shift: after decades of marginal use, Waylon has climbed methodically through U.S. naming statistics to secure a stable foothold within the contemporary Top 100, indicating that parents are increasingly drawn to its synthesis of mythic craftsmanship, musical heritage, and modern accessibility.
Pronunciation
American English
- Pronunced as WAY-luhn (/ˈweɪl.ən/)
U.S. Popularity Chart
States Popularity Chart
Notable People Named Waylon
| Waylon Jennings was an American country singer, songwriter, and actor known as a pioneer of the outlaw country movement. |
| Dutch singer Waylon, born Willem Bijkerk and named after Waylon Jennings, took second at Eurovision 2014 with the Common Linnets and placed 18th solo in 2018. |
| Waylon Malloy Payne is an American country singer songwriter and actor, and the son of Sammi Smith and guitarist Jody Payne. |
