Boy · 346th of 23,106
Killian
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
16,046
Total Births
145
Years of Data
2017
Peak Popularity Year
1,527
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Killian 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
Killian is an Irish name meaning 'little church', originating from the Old Irish 'Cillín'. It has evolved through various forms and is now recognized for its cultural significance. The name has no biblical relevance but has become popular in modern times, associated with strength and heritage.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈkɪl.i.ən/
Origin
Irish
Etymology
The name Killian is derived from the Irish name 'Cillian', which is derived from the word 'cill', meaning 'church' or 'cell', combined with the diminutive suffix '-ian'.
Meaning
little church
Language Evolution
Cillín (Old Irish), Cillian (Modern Irish), Killian (Anglicized form)
Historical Usage
The name Killian gained popularity in Ireland and among Irish communities worldwide, particularly in the 20th century, as a result of its traditional roots and the influence of Irish culture.
Variants & Derivatives
Cillian, Kilian
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Killian is perceived as a strong and unique name, often associated with Irish heritage and culture. It has gained traction in various countries, particularly in the United States.
Famous People
Killian Murphy - an Irish actor known for his roles in film and television., Killian Jornet - a Spanish mountaineer and long-distance runner.
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
Highly Popular name with 1,527 peak births in 2017
Geographic Spread
Popular across 50 US states, with strongest presence in Alaska
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 7 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 7 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 6687th of 7545 | 10 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 1532nd of 16616 | 827 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 937th of 24088 | 3,081 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 346th of 23106 | 11,528 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 8280th of 27321 | 132 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 7173rd of 35406 | 255 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 6697th of 30306 | 213 |