Kylin Unisex
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: KY-lin /ˈkaɪ.lɪn/
Origin: Chinese; English
Meaning: Chinese: 'a mythical creature'; English: 'variant of Kylan'
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Kylin has its roots in Chinese mythology, deriving from the term "Qilin" (麒麟), which refers to a mythical hooved chimerical creature often depicted with dragon-like features. The etymology can be traced back to ancient Chinese texts, where the Qilin is associated with good fortune, prosperity, and the arrival of wise rulers.
The character for Qilin combines elements that signify auspiciousness and benevolence, reflecting its revered status in Chinese culture. The name Kylin is a phonetic adaptation that has emerged in various cultures, particularly in Western contexts, where it has been embraced for its unique sound and exotic connotations.
Historically, the Qilin has been mentioned in various Chinese classical texts, including the "Shan Hai Jing" (Classic of Mountains and Seas) from the 4th century BCE, where it is described as a creature that appears during the reign of a sage or virtuous ruler. The Qilin is often linked to the birth of Confucius, symbolizing the arrival of a great sage.
Over the centuries, the Qilin has been depicted in art and literature, reinforcing its significance as a symbol of peace and harmony. Culturally, the Qilin is often associated with the concept of auspicious omens and is believed to bring good luck and protection.
In traditional Chinese culture, it is common to see representations of the Qilin in various forms of art, architecture, and festivals, emphasizing its enduring legacy. The name Kylin, while a modern adaptation, carries with it the weight of these historical and cultural associations, reflecting a blend of mythological significance and a connection to virtues such as wisdom and benevolence.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Kylin, 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 Kylin. 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 Kylin was first seen in the United States in 1987.
Kylin has ranked as high as #2256 nationally, which occurred in 2022, and has been most popular in Texas, Louisiana, Florida, Mississippi, and Georgia.
In the past 5 years the name Kylin has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Kylin 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 Kylin was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.
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 Kylin.
| Year | Total Births | Boy | Girl |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 126 | 94 | 32 |
| 2024 | 156 | 118 | 38 |
| 2023 | 171 | 132 | 39 |
| 2022 | 201 | 149 | 52 |
| 2021 | 160 | 123 | 37 |
| 2020 | 150 | 106 | 44 |
| 2019 | 158 | 115 | 43 |
| 2018 | 123 | 72 | 51 |
| 2017 | 118 | 80 | 38 |
| 2016 | 135 | 78 | 57 |
| 2015 | 146 | 78 | 68 |
| 2014 | 146 | 83 | 63 |
| 2013 | 145 | 79 | 66 |
| 2012 | 111 | 64 | 47 |
| 2011 | 133 | 59 | 74 |
| 2010 | 138 | 78 | 60 |
| 2009 | 133 | 64 | 69 |
| 2008 | 100 | 42 | 58 |
| 2007 | 101 | 47 | 54 |
| 2006 | 95 | 42 | 53 |
| 2005 | 66 | 34 | 32 |
| 2004 | 83 | 42 | 41 |
| 2003 | 84 | 50 | 34 |
| 2002 | 63 | 39 | 24 |
| 2001 | 65 | 50 | 15 |
| 2000 | 52 | 34 | 18 |
| 1999 | 39 | 24 | 15 |
| 1998 | 39 | 19 | 20 |
| 1997 | 38 | 17 | 21 |
| 1996 | 40 | 21 | 19 |
| 1995 | 24 | 10 | 14 |
| 1994 | 16 | 8 | 8 |
| 1993 | 14 | 6 | 8 |
| 1992 | 23 | 8 | 15 |
| 1991 | 17 | 7 | 10 |
| 1990 | 11 | 5 | 6 |
| 1989 | 11 | 11 | 0 |
| 1988 | 7 | 0 | 7 |
| 1987 | 11 | 5 | 6 |
Top States for Kylin (2024)
We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. The table below shows the five states with the highest number of births for this name in the selected year. Use the toggle to expand the list to every state with reported births.
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| GA | 11 | |
| TX | 10 | |
| NC | 9 | |
| IL | 7 | |
| FL | 7 | |
| LA | 6 | |
| MS | 6 | |
| OH | 6 | |
| VA | 5 | |
| MO | 5 | |
| AL | 5 | |
| CA | 5 |