Kalil

♂ Boy

Pronounced kə-LEEL /kəˈlil/Medium

Meaning: Spelling of Khalil — from Arabic khalil, 'friend, close companion; beloved'Medium

In 30 seconds: A close friend: Kalil spells Khalil — Arabic 'friend, beloved companion'. Warm, soulful, and strong (poet Kahlil Gibran).

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Origin MediumArabic

MeaningSpelling of Khalil — from Arabic khalil, 'friend, close companion; beloved'

U.S. rank (2025)#5309 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births18 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2000

Total births (all-time)≈ 1,325

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Kalil is a spelling of Khalil — from Arabic khalil, 'friend, close companion; beloved' (a title of the prophet Abraham, 'Khalil Allah', friend of God). A warm, soulful name (poet Kahlil Gibran); the spelling personalizes it.

In the U.S. it appears across communities. Rare, friend at the root, and soulful.

Did you know? Khalil means 'friend, close companion' in Arabic — a title of Abraham, 'friend of God'; poet Kahlil Gibran bore it. Kalil is a soft spelling.

Overall data confidence 78%

Behind the Name — Khalil — root etymology

Variations

KhalilKahlilKaleel

Nicknames

Kal

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If you like Kalil…

Khalil— the standard spelling

Kahlil— the Gibran spelling

Jamal— a companion Arabic name

Amir— another classic Arabic name

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Kalil mean?

Kalil spells Khalil — Arabic 'friend, close companion; beloved'.

How do you pronounce Kalil?

It's said kə-LEEL /kəˈlil/ — two syllables, stress on the second.

Is Kalil a boy or girl name?

Kalil is a boy's name.

How popular is Kalil?

Kalil is a rare name in the U.S.