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Kilan Boy

Popularity: #916 · Trend: → Stable

Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: KIL-an //ˈkɪlən//

Origin: Irish; Scottish; Arabic

Meaning: slender; narrow (Irish); little warrior (Scottish); the one who is strong (Arabic)

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Kilan has its roots in the Irish language, derived from the Gaelic name "Cillín," which means "little church" or "church". This etymology reflects the name's connection to early Christian influences in Ireland, where many names were formed from religious or ecclesiastical terms.

The name Kilan is believed to have evolved from the Latin "cella," meaning a small room or chapel, which further emphasizes its association with places of worship. The transition into English likely occurred through the anglicization of Irish names during the 19th and 20th centuries, as Irish immigrants brought their cultural heritage to English-speaking countries.

Historically, Kilan is associated with several notable figures in Irish history, including saints and religious leaders. One of the most prominent is Saint Killian, an Irish missionary who is believed to have traveled to Franconia in the 7th century to spread Christianity.

His legacy contributed to the name's significance within the context of Irish Christian traditions. The name has also appeared in various historical texts and records, reflecting its enduring presence in Irish culture.

Culturally, Kilan carries connotations of faith and community, resonating with the values of early Irish society that placed great importance on the church and its role in daily life. The diminutive form "Killy" may also be noted, as it reflects a common practice in Irish naming conventions to create affectionate or familiar versions of names.

Overall, Kilan embodies a rich historical and cultural tapestry, linking linguistic roots to significant religious and societal developments in Ireland.

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U.S. Historical Usage

The name Kilan was first seen in the United States in 1996. Kilan has ranked as high as #1349 nationally, which occurred in 2021, and has been most popular in . In the past 5 years the name Kilan has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Kilan

No state data available for this year.

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
19966
19986
20037
20056
20095
20106
20116
20137
20148
20156
20166
201712
20188
20198
202114
20228
202311
20248