Declining since 2022, #1,728 for boys today.
Popularity of Kylin since 1987
Babies named Kylin per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1980s | 13 | 16 |
| 1990s | 136 | 125 |
| 2000s | 398 | 444 |
| 2010s | 567 | 786 |
| 2020s | 242 | 722 |
Meaning & origin
Kylin entered the U.S. naming scene in 1987, a relatively late arrival compared to many traditional names. Its rise in recent decades reflects a broader trend toward invented names that blend familiar sounds: the initial 'Ky' echoes Kyle, while the ending 'lin' connects to names like Dylan and Jocelyn. In 2025, Kylin stood at rank 1,728, with approximately 1 in 18,171 newborns receiving it. The name reached its peak popularity in 2022, but has since been on a downward trajectory. Its top states include Louisiana, South Carolina, and North Carolina, suggesting a regional concentration in the southern United States. Despite its modern creation, Kylin has carved out a niche as a distinctive choice that sounds both fresh and familiar.
Kylin first appeared in U.S. records in 1987, suggesting a recent coinage. It may be formed from the popular prefix Ky- (as in Kyle) combined with the trendy suffix -lin (as in Dylan or Jocelyn). Alternatively, it could be an Anglicized variant of the Irish name Caelan, though no direct historical connection is established. The name is used for both boys and girls, with a slight edge toward male usage in recent years.
Where Kylin is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ky, Kyle
Sibling names for Kylin
Names that share Kylin's style, for a brother or sister.
