Boy · 869th of 23,106
Cillian
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
3,492
Total Births
145
Years of Data
2024
Peak Popularity Year
674
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Cillian stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
Cillian is an Irish name meaning 'little church', originating from the word 'Cillín'. The name has evolved from 'Cillín' to its current form. It is associated with creativity and uniqueness, and while it does not have biblical relevance, it has historical roots in Ireland. The name has been used since the Middle Ages and has become increasingly popular in recent years, especially among those with Irish connections.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈkɪl.jən/
Origin
Irish
Etymology
The name Cillian is derived from the Irish name 'Cillín', which means 'little church' or 'church' and is often associated with the word 'cill', meaning 'cell' or 'church'.
Meaning
little church
Language Evolution
Cillín, Cillian
Historical Usage
Cillian has been used in Ireland since the Middle Ages and has gained popularity in modern times, particularly among those with Irish heritage or interest in Irish culture.
Variants & Derivatives
Killian, Kilian, Cillan
Modern Popularity & Image
Cillian is perceived as a modern and trendy name, often associated with creativity and uniqueness. It has gained recognition due to its use in popular culture and media.
Famous People
Cillian Murphy, Cillian O'Connor
Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Rising
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Explore popularity by location
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Moderately Popular name with 674 peak births in 2024
Geographic Spread
Popular across 37 US states, with strongest presence in Massachusetts
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 4 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 11 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
Historical Birth Statistics
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
Full popularity table across American generations 4 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 16616th of 16616 | 5 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 3682nd of 24088 | 406 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 869th of 23106 | 3,075 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 28476th of 30306 | 6 |