Declining since 2011, #9,457 for girls today.
Popularity of Kahlan since 1995
Babies named Kahlan per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1990s | 45 | 10 |
| 2000s | 477 | 0 |
| 2010s | 857 | 19 |
| 2020s | 105 | 56 |
Meaning & origin
Kahlan is a modern feminine name that first appeared on the U.S. baby name charts in 1997. It reached its peak popularity in 2010 but has been gradually falling in use since 2011. As of 2025, it ranks 9,457th with a rarity of 1 in 160,727 births. The name is often associated with the fantasy genre, though it remains a relatively uncommon choice.
Kahlan first appeared in the United States in the late 1990s, likely as a modern invented name or a respelling of names like Kaelan or Kaylan. It gained some recognition through Terry Goodkind's 'Sword of Truth' fantasy series, where the character Kahlan Amnell is a central figure. The name remains uncommon, with its peak usage in 2010.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Kahli, Lan, Lanie
Sibling names for Kahlan
Names that share Kahlan's style, for a brother or sister.
