Holding steady, #8,910 for boys today.
Popularity of Kealan since 1989
Babies named Kealan per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1980s | 7 |
| 1990s | 57 |
| 2000s | 122 |
| 2010s | 117 |
| 2020s | 43 |
Meaning & origin
Kealan is a traditional Irish name that has seen modest use in the United States since the late 20th century. First recorded in 1989, it reached its peak popularity in 2010, though it remains quite rare. As of 2025, the name ranks 8,910, with approximately 1 in 213,510 boys receiving the name. Its trajectory has been stable, suggesting a steady but limited appeal among parents seeking authentic Irish heritage names. The name is most often spelled Kealan or Keelan, with the original Irish form Caolán. While it has not appeared in any U.S. top states lists, its use is consistent with other Irish names in the diaspora.
Kealan is an Irish name derived from the Old Irish name Caolán, which is a diminutive of caol, meaning 'slender' or 'narrow'. It has been used in Ireland for centuries, often anglicized as Keelan. The name remains primarily masculine and is most common in Ireland and among the Irish diaspora.
“Kealan” around the world
Where Kealan lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
Ireland
6
babies in 2025
Sources: CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Kee
Variants: Keelan, Caolán
Sibling names for Kealan
Names that share Kealan's style, for a brother or sister.
