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Home › Baby Names Directory › Killian

Killian

♀ Girl

Pronounced KIL-ee-an /ˈkɪl.i.ən/High

Meaning: From the Irish Cillian — variously 'a little church/monk's cell' (cill, 'church') and 'bright-headed; strife'; strongly boy-leaning; here for girls; routes layeredLow

In 30 seconds: A little church; bright-headed: Killian is Irish. Crisp, classic, and warm. Strongly boy-leaning (here for girls).
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Origin LowIrish
MeaningFrom the Irish Cillian — variously 'a little church/monk's cell' (cill, 'church') and 'bright-headed; strife'; strongly boy-leaning; here for girls; routes layered
U.S. rank (2025)#7333 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births15 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year1997
Total births (all-time)≈ 615

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 199719862025

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

Killian comes from the Irish Cillian — variously 'a little church/monk's cell' (cill, 'church') and 'bright-headed; strife' (routes layered, which we note). Strongly boy-leaning, here for a girl (slug distinguished; said 'KIL-ee-an').

In the U.S. it appears mostly for boys; here for a girl. Rare for girls, a-little-church at the root, and classic.

Did you know? Killian (Cillian) is Irish, variously 'a little church' and 'bright-headed' — strongly a boys' name, here (rarely) for a girl (the routes are layered; said 'KIL-ee-an').
Overall data confidence 30%
References — Cillian — boy-leaning; routes layered

Variations

CillianKilianKillien

Nicknames

Killie

Famous Bearers

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If you like Killian…

Cillian— the Irish spelling
Kilian— a kin spelling
Gillian— a sound-neighbor -illian girls' name
Lillian— a fellow -illian girls' name

Explore names like Killian

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Killian mean?

Killian (Cillian) is Irish, variously 'a little church' and 'bright-headed'; it is strongly boy-leaning; here for a girl. The routes are layered.

How do you pronounce Killian?

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

Is Killian a boy or girl name?

Killian is mostly a boys' name; this page covers its use as a girl's name.

How popular is Killian?

Killian is a very rare name for girls in the U.S.

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