Rising since 1987, #3,314 for boys today.
Popularity of Khaleel since 1975
Babies named Khaleel per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1999, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Khaleel's real moment was 2019.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 14 |
| 1980s | 43 |
| 1990s | 302 |
| 2000s | 283 |
| 2010s | 298 |
| 2020s | 282 |
Meaning & origin
Khaleel, a name of Arabic origin meaning 'friend' or 'companion,' carries deep religious significance as an epithet for Abraham in Islamic tradition. While it has been used in the United States since at least 1975, its popularity has grown steadily, particularly since 1987. The name reached its peak rank of 3,314 in 2019, and as of 2025 it remains a distinctive choice, with a frequency of roughly 1 in 48,802 births. Khaleel is most commonly found in Illinois, reflecting concentrations of families with Middle Eastern or South Asian heritage. The name's warm meaning and consistent, rising trajectory make it a meaningful option for parents seeking a name with cultural depth and modern appeal.
Khaleel derives from the Arabic root kh-l-l, meaning 'to enter into a close, lasting friendship.' The name appears in the Quran as an epithet for the prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), who is called 'Khaleel Allah' (Friend of God). It has been used across the Muslim world for centuries and is especially common in South Asia and the Middle East.
Where Khaleel is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Khaleel” around the world
Where Khaleel 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: Khali, Lee, Khal
Sibling names for Khaleel
Names that share Khaleel's style, for a brother or sister.
