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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 (2024)#3120 ↗ Rising
2024 U.S. births39 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2024
Total births (all-time)≈ 544

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202419952024

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

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

Famous Bearers

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If you like Kirin…

Kieran— sounds nearly identical and shares the same spelling pattern
Orion— mythological creature-linked name with a mystical feel
Zephyr— nature-mythology name with an exotic, airy quality
Kylan— similar sound and modern feel

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.