Declining since 2011, #1,069 for boys today.
Popularity of Kellen since 1954
Babies named Kellen per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1950s | 0 | 43 |
| 1960s | 65 | 43 |
| 1970s | 12 | 26 |
| 1980s | 380 | 2,854 |
| 1990s | 349 | 1,981 |
| 2000s | 229 | 4,398 |
| 2010s | 176 | 6,167 |
| 2020s | 54 | 1,530 |
Meaning & origin
Kellen first appeared on U.S. birth records in 1954, but it remained relatively uncommon for decades. Its popularity peaked in 2012, when it reached its highest rank. Since 2011, however, usage has been steadily declining. In 2025, it ranked 1,069, with about 1 in 8,456 male newborns receiving the name. The name is most common in Oregon, Washington, and Massachusetts, reflecting a concentration in the Pacific Northwest and New England. Kellen fits the pattern of Irish surname-names that have become popular first names, similar to trends seen with names like Ryan and Liam. The trajectory since its peak suggests it is currently falling out of favor, though it remains a recognizable choice for parents seeking a name with Irish heritage.
Kellen is an anglicized form of the Irish surname Ó Ceallacháin, meaning 'descendant of Ceallachán', a diminutive of the personal name Ceallach. Its meaning is debated, possibly 'slender' or 'fair'. The name gained popularity in the United States as a given name in the mid-20th century, influenced by the similar-sounding trend of -en ending names.
Where Kellen 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.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Kel, Kell
Sibling names for Kellen
Names that share Kellen's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Kellen
Names whose popularity has moved with Kellen's over the last 50 years.
