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Killian

♂ Boy

Pronounced KIL-ee-an /ˈkɪl.i.ən/High

Meaning: Anglicized form of Irish Cillian or Cillín, possibly from ceall meaning church or from ceallach meaning bright-headed or strifeMedium

In 30 seconds: Killian is a fierce and spirited Irish saint's name whose edgy K spelling and punchy three syllables have made it one of the most exciting Celtic names rising in America.
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Origin HighIrish Gaelic
MeaningAnglicized form of Irish Cillian or Cillín, possibly from ceall meaning church or from ceallach meaning bright-headed or strife
U.S. rank (2025)#418 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births770 boys (0.04% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2017
Total births (all-time)≈ 16,216

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 201719152025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Killian is an anglicization of Irish Cillian, possibly from ceall (church) or ceallach (bright-headed, contentious). Several early Irish saints bore the name, including Killian of Würzburg.

The name has been revived strongly in the United States in the 21st century, partly through craft beer culture (Killian's Irish Red) and partly through appreciation for authentic Irish names with edge.

Did you know? Saint Killian of Würzburg (c. 640–689) was an Irish missionary bishop who traveled to Franconia and was martyred there — making him the patron saint of a German wine region, an unlikely but remarkable legacy.
Overall data confidence 83%
Behind the Name — Killian — etymology and saints historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

CillianKilián

Nicknames

KillKil

Famous Bearers

  • ★Cillian Murphy (1976–present)
    Irish actor and Academy Award winner, known for Peaky Blinders and Oppenheimer.
  • ★Saint Killian (c. 640–689)
    Irish missionary bishop and martyr in Franconia; patron saint of the wine region around Würzburg.

If you like Killian…

Cillian— the traditional Irish spelling of the same name, sharing identical roots
Declan— shares the authentic Irish saintly heritage and similar modern American surge
Ronan— shares the Irish Gaelic origin and the same three-syllable lyrical quality
Callum— fellow Celtic name with the same strong, dignified sound

Frequently Asked

What does the name Killian mean?

Killian comes from Irish Gaelic Cillian, possibly meaning bright-headed or relating to the word for church.

How do you pronounce Killian?

It is said KIL-ee-an /ˈkɪl.i.ən/ — three syllables, stress on the first.

Is Killian the same as Cillian?

Killian is the anglicized spelling of the Irish Cillian; both refer to the same name.

Is Killian popular in the United States?

Yes, Killian has been rising steadily in the U.S. since the 2010s as Irish names with attitude gain appeal.