Kirin

♂ Boy

Pronounced KEE-rin /ˈkiː.rɪn/High

Meaning: From the Japanese/Chinese qílín (麒麟), a mythical chimeric creature symbolizing good luck, prosperity, and the arrival of a great leaderHigh

In 30 seconds: Kirin evokes the qilin, a magnificent creature from East Asian mythology symbolizing good luck and benevolent leadership. As a name it carries a sense of wonder and auspicious promise.

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Origin HighJapanese, Chinese

MeaningFrom the Japanese/Chinese qílín (麒麟), a mythical chimeric creature symbolizing good luck, prosperity, and the arrival of a great leader

U.S. rank (2025)#4093 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births26 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2024

Total births (all-time)≈ 570

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

The kirin (Japanese rendering of Chinese qílín) is a chimeric creature with dragon-like scales, deer antlers, and ox hooves, appearing in Chinese mythology as early as the Zuozhuan (5th century BCE). It is considered one of the four sacred creatures alongside the dragon, phoenix, and tortoise.

As a given name, Kirin is used in Japan and among diaspora communities, and has gained crossover appeal in English-speaking countries as an exotic but pronounceable name. It occasionally overlaps with the Irish name Kieran, which sounds similar but has entirely different roots.

Did you know? The kirin (qilin) is said to appear only during the reign of a wise ruler or to herald the birth of a great sage — Confucius himself was reputedly announced by a kirin's appearance.

Overall data confidence 83%

Encyclopaedia Britannica — Qilin — Chinese mythological creature overviewBehind the Name — Kirin — Name usage and cross-cultural notes

Variations

QilinKyrinKiranKieran

Nicknames

Kir

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Kylan— similar sound and modern feel

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Kirin mean?

Kirin refers to the qilin, a mythical East Asian creature symbolizing good luck, prosperity, and the coming of a great leader.

How do you pronounce Kirin?

Kirin is pronounced KEE-rin (/ˈkiː.rɪn/), two syllables with stress on the first.

Is Kirin a boy or girl name?

Kirin is used for both boys and girls but appears more often as a boy's name in Japanese and cross-cultural contexts.

How popular is Kirin?

Kirin is a rare given name in Western countries, offering a distinctive choice with deep East Asian mythological roots.