Rising since 2015.
Popularity of Kahleel since 1992
Babies named Kahleel per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 73 |
| 2000s | 98 |
| 2010s | 71 |
| 2020s | 35 |
Meaning & origin
Kahleel is a phonetic variant of Khalil, an Arabic name meaning 'friend.' It first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1992 and saw its peak usage in 1996. Since 2015, the name has been rising in popularity, suggesting a renewed interest among parents drawn to its melodic sound and cultural resonance. While it has not ranked among the top 1,000 names, its consistent but modest use reflects a preference for distinctive names with deep roots. Kahleel remains a rare choice, offering a fresh alternative to more common Arabic names like Khalil or Jamal.
Kahleel is a phonetic respelling of Khalil, an Arabic name derived from the root kh-l-l, meaning 'to befriend' or 'to be intimate.' The name is famously associated with Kahlil Gibran, the Lebanese-American poet and philosopher. It has been used in the English-speaking world as a given name, particularly among families with Middle Eastern heritage.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Kal, Lee
Sibling names for Kahleel
Names that share Kahleel's style, for a brother or sister.
