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Kylian

♂ Boy

Pronounced KIL-ee-an /ˈkɪl.i.ən/High

Meaning: Variant of Killian, the anglicised form of Irish Gaelic Cillian, possibly from ceall ('church,' 'monastery') with a diminutive suffix, meaning 'little church' or 'monastic'; alternatively from cill and interpreted as 'strife'Medium

In 30 seconds: Kylian is an Irish-French variant of Killian — 'little church' or 'little warrior.' Enormously boosted by superstar footballer Kylian Mbappé, it is soaring on global name charts.
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Origin HighIrish Gaelic
MeaningVariant of Killian, the anglicised form of Irish Gaelic Cillian, possibly from ceall ('church,' 'monastery') with a diminutive suffix, meaning 'little church' or 'monastic'; alternatively from cill and interpreted as 'strife'
U.S. rank (2025)#624 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births448 boys (0.02% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2023
Total births (all-time)≈ 3,735

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202320052025

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

History & Origin

Kylian is a French variant spelling of Killian, the anglicised form of Irish Gaelic Cillian. The name is associated with Saint Killian (640–689 AD), the Irish missionary martyr who evangelized Franconia (modern Germany) and was eventually martyred at Würzburg. Saint Killian's cult was strong in France and Germany, which explains the French form Kylian.

Kylian gained global recognition through French football star Kylian Mbappé, who rose to prominence during the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Before his fame, Kylian was primarily used in French-speaking countries. Since 2018 it has surged in the United States, UK, Germany, and Latin America. Its Irish saint's roots give it authentic ancient credentials.

Did you know? Kylian Mbappé — born 1998, the French football prodigy who became the second-youngest World Cup Final scorer in history — gave this Irish saint's name an extraordinary global reach, making it one of the fastest-rising boys' names in both Europe and the United States after his 2018 World Cup triumph.
Overall data confidence 84%
Behind the Name — Killian — Irish Gaelic etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

KillianCillianKilian

Nicknames

KylKili

Famous Bearers

  • ★Kylian Mbappé (1998–present)
    French professional footballer, PSG and France striker, 2018 FIFA World Cup winner.

If you like Kylian…

Killian— the standard anglicised spelling of the same Irish Gaelic saint's name
Cillian— the original Irish Gaelic spelling with the same monastery-saint roots
Declan— Irish Gaelic boys' name with the same saint's heritage and modern revival
Ronan— Irish Gaelic boys' name from the same early-Christian monastic tradition

Frequently Asked

What does the name Kylian mean?

Kylian is a French variant of Killian, from Irish Gaelic Cillian possibly meaning 'little church' or 'monastic,' related to ceall (church).

How do you pronounce Kylian?

It is said KIL-ee-an — three syllables with stress on the first.

Is Kylian a boy or girl name?

Kylian is used exclusively as a boys' name.

How popular is Kylian?

Kylian surged globally after 2018 due to footballer Kylian Mbappé and now ranks in the U.S. top 300 boys' names.