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Home › Baby Names Directory › Keelin

Keelin

♂ Boy

Pronounced KEE-lin /ˈki.lɪn/Medium

Meaning: An anglicized form of Irish Caoilfhionn, from caol, 'slender', and fionn, 'fair; white' — 'slender and fair'. In Ireland and the U.S. it is usually a girl's name; used here for a boy, we note the lean. It can also read as a modern Kee- coinage.Low

In 30 seconds: An Irish name meaning 'slender and fair': Keelin comes from Caoilfhionn (said 'KEE-lin'). Usually a girl's name — we note the lean.
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Origin LowIrish
MeaningAn anglicized form of Irish Caoilfhionn, from caol, 'slender', and fionn, 'fair; white' — 'slender and fair'. In Ireland and the U.S. it is usually a girl's name; used here for a boy, we note the lean. It can also read as a modern Kee- coinage.
U.S. rank (2024)#13248 ↘ Falling
2024 U.S. births5 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2000
Total births (all-time)≈ 347

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 200019912024

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

Keelin renders Irish Caoilfhionn, from caol, 'slender', and fionn, 'fair', a name borne by early Irish saints. Its usual home is among girls, so we note the lean clearly. As a boy's name it also sits near the modern Kee- family (said 'KEE-lin').

For boys it appears only rarely in the U.S., against heavier girls' use. Rare, Irish-rooted, and gentle.

Did you know? Keelin anglicizes the Irish Caoilfhionn, built from words for 'slender' and 'fair'. It is far more often a girl's name in Ireland and the U.S., which we note; used here for a boy it reads as a soft Irish surname-style pick.
Overall data confidence 40%
References — Keelin — Irish Caoilfhionn 'slender and fair'; usually a girl's name

Variations

CaoilfhionnKeelanKealan

Nicknames

KeeLin

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Keelin…

Keely— a close Irish cousin
Killian— a like Irish K- pick
Kiera— a like Irish name in sound
Kaylin— a like soft two-beat choice

Explore names like Keelin

By themeuncertainirishcross-sexgentle

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Keelin mean?

Keelin means 'slender and fair', from Irish Caoilfhionn. It is usually a girl's name, which we note.

How do you pronounce Keelin?

It's said KEE-lin /ˈki.lɪn/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Keelin a boy or girl name?

Keelin is used here as a boy's name, though it is far more often a girl's name — we note the lean.

How popular is Keelin?

Keelin is a rare name for boys in the U.S., with heavier use for girls.

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