Declining since 2012, #1,030 for boys today.
Popularity of Kellan since 1958
Babies named Kellan per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1950s | 6 |
| 1960s | 0 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 397 |
| 1990s | 471 |
| 2000s | 1,498 |
| 2010s | 6,717 |
| 2020s | 1,663 |
Meaning & origin
Kellan first appeared on U.S. birth records in 1958, a relatively late entry for a name rooted in Irish surnames. Its most popular year was 2013, when it climbed to its highest rank. Since 2012, however, the name has been on a steady downward trajectory, reflecting shifting taste away from the short, surname-style names that peaked in the 2010s. In 2025, Kellan ranked 1030th, with approximately 1 in every 7,945 newborn boys given the name. The name shows strongest popularity in Iowa, South Carolina, and Virginia, suggesting a varied but not heavily concentrated regional appeal. Kellan remains a recognizable choice that balances modern simplicity with a hint of Irish heritage.
Kellan is a modern given name that likely derives from the Irish surname Ó Ceallacháin, meaning 'descendant of Ceallachán'. The root name Ceallach is of uncertain meaning, possibly 'contention' or 'bright-headed'. In recent decades, Kellan has been adopted as a first name, partly influenced by the similar-sounding name Kellen and the rise of surnames as given names.
Where Kellan is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Kellan” around the world
Where Kellan lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
15
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Kell
Sibling names for Kellan
Names that share Kellan's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Keira, Molly, Brielle, Paige, Quinn, Danika, Kamille, Kaylani, Talyn, Brienne, Kaeli, Kaleena, Kambria, Kolbie, Korin, Laikyn, Myranda, Arlana, Ashlan, Cailynn, Caylen, Danessa, Falyn, Kammy, Kanyla, Kashia, Kedra, Kemora, Kenli, Kenlie, Kennah, Kennya, Keyna, Kimbra, Kindle, Korrina, Korrine, Kynsley, Raedyn, Raeven, Searra, Shealynn, Tailyn, Teghan, Tinlee, Aunesty, Aunika, Brenae, Brenya, Brinna, Cevyn, Daleah, Declynn, Farryn, Jareli, Jizelle, Kamera, Katerra, Kaylanni, Keatyn, Keilin, Kelbi, Kelbie, Kelee, Kella, Kendalyn, Kenitra, Kentley, Kevia, Khyleigh, Kirbi, Kyleena, Kynnadi, Lawsyn, Lerin, Mabrey, Maelin, Mckenlee, Myelle, Porshe, Quynn, Raynie, Talana, Torina, Zandrea, Carlei, Karris, Kenlynn, Sheylin, Ahilyn, Aidaly, Andilynn, Anisten, Aunica, Avynn, Breella, Brenlyn, Carrina, Chasady, Conleigh, Daleyssa, Danaka, Danicia, Darchelle, Darriona, Delancey, Deslyn, Deyna, Dylana, Dylanie, Fallan, Ferrin, Graclyn, Jadelin, Jerni, Jernie, Jorryn, Kaileena, Karigan, Karmon, Karysa, Kebrina, Keirston, Kelita, Kenidi, Kenni, Kenora, Keslee, Keyle, Koralynn, Kyndell, Lessa, Lynnon, Macala, Maclyn, Markela, Raeonna, Raevin, Raynah, Reighan, Ronnae, Shayann, Tacori, Tallyn
Brothers: Brayden, Caden, Declan, Evan, Landon, Kallan, Kennon, Korbin, Dalyn, Derian, Kalin, Keilan, Kelson, Kendric, Kipton, Klay, Paden, Taurean, Tavin, Torian, Brekken, Cainen, Chevon, Cordel, Corwyn, Daelin, Dalon, Declyn, Devlyn, Dravin, Jarin, Kadan, Kainan, Kasin, Keaghan, Keenon, Keifer, Keithan, Kendon, Kenner, Kenon, Kenson, Keston, Keygan, Kinnick, Kyser, Lathen, Louden, Nylan, Teron, Torrin, Weylin, Airon, Arlind, Brallan, Breccan, Brenen, Brevyn, Calian, Cayle, Caymen, Coren, Decklin, Decorian, Deklyn, Demar, Griffyn, Jeryn, Kaegan, Kailand, Karsin, Kaymen, Kaynan, Keaston, Kellon, Kendre, Keylan, Koden, Kolden, Konor, Kyel, Mckoy, Rilan, Ripken, Sevan, Tagen, Tarrin, Thoren, Breylan, Brogen, Kaulder, Locklan, Thaine, Trelyn, Adren, Cambren, Cardale, Carron, Cortlan, Daelen, Dailan, Deran, Deylan, Draedyn, Grasyn, Jarris, Kahle, Kalet, Kallahan, Kalven, Kardell, Kden, Kedron, Keevon, Keiland, Keldan, Kelten, Kenniel, Kerrion, Klever, Knolan, Konnar, Korby, Kordel, Kortland, Kyier, Macklan, Mcgregor, Naven, Quindell, Quinnlan, Reylan, Reznor, Royel, Ryelan, Tanyon, Torrion, Treyvin, Zanden
Names like Kellan
Names whose popularity has moved with Kellan's over the last 50 years.
