Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Khalil is an Arabic name meaning 'friend' or 'companion', rooted in the Arabic language. Over time, it has evolved from its original forms to become widely recognized in contemporary society. The name is linked to traits of loyalty and friendship, and it does not have a biblical reference. Khalil has gained popularity particularly in the 20th century and continues to be a favored choice in many cultures today.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/kəˈliːl/
Origin
Arabic
Etymology
The name Khalil means 'friend' or 'companion' and is derived from the Arabic root 'kh-l-l', which conveys a sense of close friendship and companionship.
Meaning
friend, companion
Language Evolution
Khalil, Khalīl, Khalil ibn Ahmad
Historical Usage
The name has been used in the Arab world for centuries and gained popularity in the 20th century as Islamic culture spread globally.
Variants & Derivatives
Khalilullah, Khalilur Rahman, Khalil al-Mulk
Modern Popularity & Image
Khalil is perceived positively, often associated with friendship and loyalty. It remains a popular name in various cultures, particularly in Muslim communities.
Famous People
Khalil Gibran - Lebanese-American writer and artist, Khalil Mack - American football linebacker, Khalil Al-Rashid - Saudi Arabian poet
📊 Trend Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 1,240 peak births in 2020
Geographic Spread
Popular across 44 US states, with strongest presence in District of Columbia
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 9 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (16 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 16 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
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
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 5059th of 7552 | 32 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 1607th of 10718 | 479 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 642nd of 16616 | 3,765 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 447th of 24088 | 9,425 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 373rd of 23106 | 10,489 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 17532nd of 19264 | 7 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 19175th of 27321 | 20 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 14193rd of 35406 | 86 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 13512th of 30306 | 69 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - 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) |
53.22% 1563rd/2937 |
21.50% 749th/3483 |
- |
43.20% 1747th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
18.53% 683rd/3685 |
7.93% 355th/4475 |
12.67% 658th/5194 |
15.17% 958th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
11.26% 516th/4582 |
6.60% 341st/5164 |
5.21% 381st/7313 |
9.59% 716th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
8.76% 349th/3984 |
10.74% 482nd/4487 |
4.46% 304th/6822 |
8.92% 560th/6276 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - 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
This map shows relative popularity 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 in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in District of Columbia across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation Alpha generation in the South region. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is declining in usage, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been too falling for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, falling for male in South, stalled for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 5059th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 1607th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 642nd out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 447th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 373rd out of 23106 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 17532nd out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 19175th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 14193rd out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 13512th out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.