Khalil Boy

Popularity: #361 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: kuh-LEEL //kəˈliːl//

Origin: Arabic

Meaning: friend; companion

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Khalil originates from the Arabic root 'kh-l-l,' which conveys the meaning of 'friend' or 'companion.' The earliest forms of the name can be traced back to the Arabic language, where it is used as a masculine given name. Khalil is often associated with the Arabic word 'khalilullah,' meaning 'friend of God,' a title attributed to the biblical figure Abraham in Islamic tradition.

This connection underscores the name's deep religious significance, as it reflects a close relationship with the divine, a theme prevalent in various Abrahamic faiths. Historically, the name Khalil has been borne by notable figures throughout Islamic history.

One of the most prominent was Khalil ibn Ahmad al-Farahidi, an influential 8th-century linguist and poet who is credited with establishing the principles of Arabic prosody and lexicography. His contributions to the Arabic language and literature have had a lasting impact, further embedding the name Khalil in cultural and scholarly contexts.

Additionally, the name appears in various historical texts and religious writings, reinforcing its significance across centuries. Culturally, Khalil carries connotations of loyalty, friendship, and companionship, making it a name that resonates with values of community and kinship.

The name's enduring presence in Islamic culture is also reflected in its use among various Muslim communities around the world, where it is often celebrated for its positive attributes. The diminutive form 'Khal' is sometimes used affectionately, though Khalil remains the more formal and widely recognized version.

Overall, the name Khalil encapsulates a rich tapestry of linguistic, historical, and cultural significance that has persisted through the ages.

Famous people named Khalil

In this section, you will find notable people named Khalil. We include individuals across a wide range of fields, including actors known for their work in film, television, and stage productions. You'll also find musicians, directors, and other public figures named Khalil who have made a significant impact on popular culture.

We also feature individuals named Khalil who have made meaningful contributions to science, politics, athletics, literature, and other areas of public interest.

Please note that not every baby name in our database currently has a famous namesake listed. If you would like to suggest a name we may have missed or submit a correction, feel free to contact us. We review and finalize additions and corrections within 24 hours.

Khalil Gibran is a poet and writer best known for The Prophet, Sand and Foam, and The Broken Wings.

Khalil Mack is a professional football player best known for playing as a linebacker for the Chicago Bears and Las Vegas Raiders.

Khalil Shakir is a professional football player best known for playing as a wide receiver for the Buffalo Bills.

Sibling suggestions

If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Khalil, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.

Similar names

Based on our extensive baby names database, several names share stylistic or phonetic similarities with Khalil. These names can serve as alternatives to the sibling suggestions listed above and may help you find the perfect complementary name for your growing family.

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Khalil was first seen in the United States in 1957.

Khalil has ranked as high as #485 nationally, which occurred in 2020, and has been most popular in New York, California, Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Texas.

In the past 5 years the name Khalil has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

The name Khalil is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Khalil was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.

Top States for Khalil (2024)

We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. In some cases, you may see four or five states listed. However, we only display states where the name represents a significant percentage of births, so the number of states shown can range from one to several.

State Births Share
TX 101
13%
FL 67
9%
GA 56
7%
CA 47
6%
NC 44
6%
OH 35
5%
IL 35
5%
SC 34
4%
LA 33
4%
NY 33
4%
AL 28
4%
VA 26
3%
MI 24
3%
IN 23
3%
TN 21
3%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Khalil.

YearBirths
2024830
2023982
20221,091
20211,146
20201,231
20191,127
2018803
2017732
2016696
2015624
2014625
2013602
2012616
2011580
2010516
2009553
2008557
2007556
2006600
2005566
2004619
2003546
2002583
2001626
2000619
1999700
1998611
1997577
1996714
19951,118
1994372
1993287
1992249
1991154
1990144
1989114
198884
198778
198682
198580
198476
198369
198276
198168
198074
197978
197864
197756
197645
197535
197420
197312
197225
197117
197011
19696
196814
19678
19667
19657
19648
19626
19616
19607
19575