Rising since 1986, #1,166 for boys today.
Popularity of Kilian since 1970
Babies named Kilian per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 37 |
| 1980s | 33 |
| 1990s | 218 |
| 2000s | 315 |
| 2010s | 1,006 |
| 2020s | 1,081 |
Meaning & origin
Kilian has been in use in the United States since at least 1970, but its profile has grown steadily. Ranked 1,166 in 2025, it is given to roughly 1 in 9,650 births, making it a distinctive but not unusual choice. Its peak year so far was 2023, and its trajectory has been consistently rising since 1986. The name is most popular in Maryland, New Jersey, and Virginia. Historically an Irish saint's name, Kilian was brought to the U.S. by Irish and German immigrants, and its modern rise reflects a broader interest in Celtic names with a soft, accessible sound. Parents today may be drawn to its blend of ancient roots and contemporary feel, without the ubiquity of top-tier Irish names.
Kilian is an Anglicized form of the Old Irish name Cillín or Cellachán, itself a diminutive of Cellach meaning 'war, strife' or possibly from cill 'church'. Historically borne by an Irish missionary saint who evangelized in Franconia (modern Germany) in the 7th century, the name gained popularity in German-speaking regions. It saw a revival in the English-speaking world in the late 20th century, particularly in the United States.
Where Kilian is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Kilian” around the world
Where Kilian lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
15
babies in 2024
Ireland
3
babies in 2025
Quebec
16
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Kili, Kil
Sibling names for Kilian
Names that share Kilian's style, for a brother or sister.
