Dillinger Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Dillinger is a German surname that originates from the Middle High German word for a type of herb, particularly dill. The name has evolved through historical forms and is often associated with a rebellious image due to its connection with notable figures like John Dillinger. It does not have biblical significance and gained popularity in the 19th century, particularly in conjunction with criminal notoriety.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Dillinger"
Pronunciation
/ˈdɪlɪndʒər/
Origin
German
Etymology
The surname Dillinger is derived from the Middle High German word 'dilling' which refers to a type of plant, often associated with the dill herb. The suffix '-er' typically indicates a person associated with a place or a profession.
Meaning
herb, specifically dill plant
Language Evolution
Dilling (Old High German), Dillinger (Middle High German), Dillinger (Modern German)
Historical Usage
The surname gained popularity in the 19th century, especially among families in German-speaking regions. It has also been popularized in modern culture through figures like John Dillinger, an infamous American gangster during the Great Depression.
Variants & Derivatives
Dill, Dilling
Modern Popularity & Image
The name Dillinger is often associated with a rebellious and criminal image due to its connection with John Dillinger. It carries connotations of defiance and notoriety in contemporary culture.
Famous People
John Dillinger (American gangster), Dillinger Escape Plan (a band)
📊 Dillinger Name Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Dillinger Name Visualizations
✨ Dillinger Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 36 peak births in 2011
Geographic Spread
Popular across 3 US states, with strongest presence in California
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 3 different American generations with varying popularity
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Dillinger"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Dillinger"
"Dillinger" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 13420th of 16616 | 12 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 5929th of 24088 | 203 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 5580th of 23106 | 194 |
Regional Popularity of "Dillinger" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - |
45.34% 3384th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - |
66.11% 4510th/6822 |
50.32% 3158th/6276 |
Regional Popularity of "Dillinger" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Dillinger"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Dillinger" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends of "Dillinger" in the United States
The name Dillinger is most popular in California, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation Alpha generation in the West region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Dillinger has been stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. Across generations, 'Dillinger' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 13420th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 5929th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 5580th out of 23106 names. Discover how the name 'Dillinger' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.