The nameKilian

Kilian is the name of an Irish missionary saint, popular in Germany and France.

Meaning

Kilian comes from the Irish Cillín, linked to ceall, "church".

Origin

Irish.

History

Saint Kilian evangelised Franconia in the 7th century and is the patron of Würzburg. In the United States Kilian reached 1032nd in 2023.

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Famous people named Kilian

Popularity of the name Kilian

Kilian in the United States

1052ndmost popular boys' name in the United States in 2024
2023peak year (212 births)
2,539babies named Kilian in the United States since 1880
0106212 18801900192019401960198020002020
Births per year in the United States. Source: Social Security Administration, names given at least 5 times a year.

Kilian was most popular in the United States in the 2010s, with 1,023 births over the decade, 40% of all recorded babies named Kilian. Its rise began around 1992, and it peaked in 2023. Half of all babies named Kilian in the United States were born before 2017, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, it has been rising: 181 births a year on average, against 148 in the five years before.

Kilian in France

2489thmost popular boys' name in France, latest official figures
2005peak year (760 births)
10,745babies named Kilian in France since 1900
0380760 1900192019401960198020002020
Births per year in France. Source: Insee, French national statistics office, latest official figures. Rounded numbers.

Kilian was most popular in France in the 2000s, with 6,015 births over the decade, 56% of all recorded babies named Kilian. Its rise began around 1990, and it peaked in 2005. Half of all babies named Kilian in France were born before 2003. Over the last five years on record, it has been falling: 25 births a year on average, against 77 in the five years before.

Kilian in Belgium

1999peak year (64 births)
760babies named Kilian in Belgium since 1995
03264 1995200020052010201520202025
Births per year in Belgium. Source: Statbel, names given at least 5 times a year.

Kilian in Switzerland

105thmost popular boys' name in Switzerland in 2025
2011peak year (143 births)
2,310babies named Kilian in Switzerland since 2000
072143 200020052010201520202025
Births per year in Switzerland. Source: Swiss Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

Kilian in Austria

56thmost popular boys' name in Austria in 2025
2004peak year (199 births)
4,599babies named Kilian in Austria since 1984
0100199 198519901995200020052010201520202025
Births per year in Austria. Source: Statistik Austria (until 2009, Austrian nationals only).

Variants and related names

Sibling names for Kilian

Names from the same generation as Kilian, whose popularity in the United States has followed a similar path.

For a sister

For a brother

How many people are named Kilian? See the counter → · What would your name be in 1950? · Name origin quiz

Compare Kilian with another name

Meaning, origin and popularity of Kilian side by side with the name of your choice.

Kilian in our baby name lists

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Kilian mean?

Kilian comes from the Irish Cillín, linked to ceall, "church".

What is the origin of the name Kilian?

Irish.

Is Kilian a girl's or a boy's name?

Kilian is a boy's name.

How popular is the name Kilian?

In 2024, Kilian was the 1052nd most popular name for baby boys in the United States, with 209 births.

What are the variants of the name Kilian?

Variants and related names of Kilian include Kélian, Kylian and Kyliann.

What are good sibling names for Kilian?

Names from the same generation, with a similar popularity in the United States: Margaux, Gaia, Harriet and Agnes for a sister, Bastian, Jethro, Alistair and Ollie for a brother.

Who are famous people named Kilian?

Saint Kilian; Kilian Jornet, mountain runner.