Boy · 917th of 16,616
Kiel
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
2,529
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1983
Peak Popularity Year
287
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Kiel 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
The name Kiel originates from German, meaning 'narrow strait or channel'. It evolved from the Old Germanic word 'kil' and has seen usage as both a first name and surname. It gained popularity in the 19th century, associated with the city of Kiel in Germany. The name is often viewed as strong and modern, with maritime connections. There is no biblical relevance.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/kiːl/
Origin
German
Etymology
The name Kiel is derived from the Old Germanic word 'kil', which means 'a narrow strait or channel'.
Meaning
narrow strait or channel
Language Evolution
Kil (Old Germanic), Kiel (Modern German)
Historical Usage
The name Kiel gained popularity as a given name and surname in German-speaking regions, particularly in the 19th century, influenced by the prominence of the city of Kiel in northern Germany.
Variants & Derivatives
Kiele, Kiely, Keel
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Kiel is perceived as a strong and modern name, often associated with maritime themes due to its connection to the city and its harbor.
Famous People
Kiel Martin, an American actor known for his role in the television series 'Hill Street Blues'., Kiel McClung, an American athlete and motivational speaker.
Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
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
Less Common name with 287 peak births in 1983
Geographic Spread
Popular across 26 US states, with strongest presence in Washington
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 6 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 3 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 6 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 6723rd of 7552 | 10 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 3824th of 10718 | 117 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 917th of 16616 | 1,884 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 3977th of 24088 | 360 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 7344th of 23106 | 128 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 16689th of 27321 | 30 |