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Kilian

♂ Boy

Pronounced KIL-ee-un /ˈkɪl.i.ən/High

Meaning: Little church; or bright-headed; from Irish Gaelic Cillian, from cill (church) with a diminutive suffix; or possibly from caol (slender) + diminutiveMedium

In 30 seconds: An Irish Gaelic name meaning 'little church,' from cill (church), borne by Saint Kilian of Würzburg — an Irish missionary who evangelized Bavaria in the 7th century. The name has an appealing three-syllable rhythm.

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Origin MediumIrish

MeaningLittle church; or bright-headed; from Irish Gaelic Cillian, from cill (church) with a diminutive suffix; or possibly from caol (slender) + diminutive

U.S. rank (2024)#1050 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births209 boys (0.01% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2023

Total births (all-time)≈ 2,512

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

Kilian is the anglicized form of Irish Gaelic Cillian, from cill (church) with a diminutive suffix. Saint Kilian of Würzburg (c.640–689 CE) was an Irish missionary to Germanic tribes, later martyred. The name is also associated with actor Cillian Murphy (who spells it with a C).

Kilian has appeared in U.S. boys' data from the 2000s. It ranked #1050 for boys in 2024.

Did you know? Saint Kilian (c.640–689 CE) was an Irish missionary who traveled to Würzburg, Bavaria, and was martyred for telling the duke that his marriage was unlawful — making him a saint who literally died for telling truth to power.

Overall data confidence 82%

Behind the Name — Kilian — Irish Gaelic etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

CillianKillian

Nicknames

Kil

Famous Bearers

★Saint Kilian of Würzburg (640–689)
Irish missionary bishop who evangelized Franconia (now part of Bavaria) and was martyred. Patron saint of Würzburg.

If you like Kilian…

Cillian— the Irish Gaelic spelling of the same name

Killian— the double-l spelling variant in the same family

Declan— Irish saint name with the same three-syllable Celtic feel

Brendan— Irish saint name with the same missionary Celtic heritage

Finbar— Irish saint name from the same Irish Christian tradition

Frequently Asked

What does the name Kilian mean?

Kilian means 'little church,' from Irish Gaelic Cillian (cill: church + diminutive suffix).

How do you pronounce Kilian?

It's said KIL-ee-un — three syllables, stress on the first.

Is Kilian a boy or girl name?

Kilian is used as a boys' name.

How popular is Kilian?

Kilian ranked #1050 for U.S. boys in 2024.