Declining since 1996, #2,604 for boys today.
Popularity of Kahlil since 1967
Babies named Kahlil per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 34 |
| 1970s | 303 |
| 1980s | 283 |
| 1990s | 1,180 |
| 2000s | 1,134 |
| 2010s | 856 |
| 2020s | 493 |
Meaning & origin
Kahlil is a spelling variant of Khalil, an Arabic name meaning 'friend' or 'companion.' It entered U.S. baby name records in 1967, likely influenced by the widespread recognition of the poet Kahlil Gibran (author of The Prophet). The name peaked in 1995 at its highest rank, then began a slow decline, with its trajectory showing decreasing usage since 1996. California, the top state for Kahlil, reflects its cultural resonance in diverse communities. Today, Kahlil remains a distinctive and culturally rich choice, offering a familiar yet less common alternative to more popular Arabic-derived names.
Kahlil is a variant of the Arabic name Khalil, derived from the root kh-l-l meaning 'friend' or 'companion.' In Islamic tradition, the title Khalil Allah ('Friend of God') is associated with the prophet Ibrahim (Abraham). The name has been used across the Arabic-speaking world and adopted by English speakers, notably through the famous poet Kahlil Gibran.
Where Kahlil is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Kahlil” around the world
Where Kahlil lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Kal, Kahl
Sibling names for Kahlil
Names that share Kahlil's style, for a brother or sister.
