Killian Name Meaning

Helen Doanna

By Helen Doanna

Lastest Updated July 9, 2024
Home » Baby Names » Killian Name Meaning

Fact: The name is associated with Saint Kilian, an Irish missionary who became a patron saint of Würzburg in Germany​.

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A Deep Dive

Killian Overview

Meaning

Little church, bright-headed, strife

Gender

Boy

Origin

Irish

Etymology

Derived from the Irish name Cillian, which combines the words “ceall” (church) and “ín” (little)

Pronunciation

/ˈkɪl.i.ən/

Popularity

Killian is notably popular in Ireland and France, gaining recognition in the United States as well. In the USA, Killian ranked 366th for boys in 2023

Syllable

2 syllables

Length

7 letters

Numerology

5 (Visionary, Expansive, Adventurous)

Name Styles

Unique, Cool, Traditional

Associated Traits

Strong, charismatic, energetic, intelligent

Spiritual, Religious, or Cultural Significance

Killian is a name deeply embedded in Irish folklore and history, often linked to tales of valor and heroism.

Name Day

July 8th (Germany)
A Deep Dive

Killian Variations in Different Cultures

Popular Variations

Cillian, Kellan, Kian, Killien

Common Nicknames

Killy, Lian, Ian, Kilo

Diminutives

Kil, Kill, K

Famous People

  • Killian Donnelly
    (Irish Actor)
  • Killian Scott
    (Irish Actor)
  • Killian Hayes
    (French-American Basketball Player)
  • Killian Jornet
    (Spanish Mountaineer)
  • Killian Dain
    (Northern Irish Wrestler)

Pop Culture Icons and Works

  • Killian Jones
    ("Once Upon a Time," TV Series)

Places

  • Killian Town
    (Louisiana, USA)
  • Killian Hill Park
    (Georgia, USA)
  • Killian Court
    (Massachusetts, USA)
  • Killian Hill Baptist Church
    (Georgia, USA)

What Is the Meaning of Killian?

Killian means “little church,” “bright-headed,” or “strife” and is derived from the Gaelic name Cillian. The name brings to mind a dynamic and passionate personality, full of energy and determination.

What Is the Origin of The Name Killian?

Killian originates from the Irish name Cillian, which combines the words “ceall” (church) and “ín” (little). The name has been used in Ireland for centuries, initially associated with Saint Cillian, an Irish missionary.

Killian Name Popularity

Popularity Chart of the Name Killian in the U.S. over the Years

United States flagUnited States#3472021#3642022#3662023
Top 3 Rankings#2482017#2642016#2862018

Annual Statistics Breakdown for Killian

YearName RankingNumber of BirthsBirth Rate (%)
2023366
(-2 from 2022)
883
(-19 from 2022)
0.04822
2022364
(-17 from 2021)
902
(-35 from 2021)
0.04816
2021347
(+5 from 2020)
937
(+38 from 2020)
0.05001
2020352
(-41 from 2019)
899
(-190 from 2019)
0.04860
2019311
(-25 from 2018)
1089
(-140 from 2018)
0.05667
2018286
(-38 from 2017)
1229
(-275 from 2017)
0.06323
2017248
(+16 from 2016)
1504
(+122 from 2016)
0.07599
2016264
(+85 from 2015)
1382
(+406 from 2015)
0.06823
2015349
(+164 from 2014)
976
(+432 from 2014)
0.04774
2014513
(+253 from 2013)
544
(+250 from 2013)
0.02655
2013766
(+51 from 2012)
294
(+24 from 2012)
0.01455
2012817
(-61 from 2011)
270
(-29 from 2011)
0.01331
2011756
(+8 from 2010)
299
(+6 from 2010)
0.01472
2010764
(-12 from 2009)
293
(-11 from 2009)
0.01426
2009752
(+47 from 2008)
304
(+30 from 2008)
0.01433
2008799
(+38 from 2007)
274
(+19 from 2007)
0.01257
2007837
(+200 from 2006)
255
(+80 from 2006)
0.01151
20061037
(-2 from 2005)
175
(+13 from 2005)
0.00798
20051035
(+25 from 2004)
162
(+11 from 2004)
0.00762
20041060
(+173 from 2003)
151
(+34 from 2003)
0.00715
20031233
(-42 from 2002)
117
No change from 2002
0.00557
20021191
(-91 from 2001)
117
(-12 from 2001)
0.00566
20011100
(-60 from 2000)
129
(-10 from 2000)
0.00624
20001040
(+117 from 1999)
139
(+26 from 1999)
0.00666
19991157
(-158 from 1998)
113
(-24 from 1998)
0.00554
1998999
(-68 from 1997)
137
(-8 from 1997)
0.00676
1997931
(-23 from 1996)
145
No change from 1996
0.00726
1996908
(+48 from 1995)
145
(+10 from 1995)
0.00724
1995956
(+221 from 1994)
135
(+41 from 1994)
0.00671
19941177
(-22 from 1993)
94
No change from 1993
0.00461
19931155
(+185 from 1992)
94
(+23 from 1992)
0.00455
19921340
(-43 from 1991)
71
(-4 from 1991)
0.00338
19911297
(-81 from 1990)
75
(-6 from 1990)
0.00354
19901216
(+300 from 1989)
81
(+27 from 1989)
0.00376
19891516
(+1082 from 1988)
54
(+32 from 1988)
0.00258
19882598
(+1975 from 1987)
22
(+13 from 1987)
0.00110
19874573
(-1134 from 1986)
9
(-4 from 1986)
0.00046
19863439
(+893 from 1985)
13
(+4 from 1985)
0.00068
19854332
(+639 from 1984)
9
(+2 from 1984)
0.00047
19844971
(-832 from 1983)
7
(-2 from 1983)
0.00037
19834139
(+95 from 1982)
9
No change from 1982
0.00048
19824234
(+52 from 1920)
9
(+4 from 1920)
0.00048
19810
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19800
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19790
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19780
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19770
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19760
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19750
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19740
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19730
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19720
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19710
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19700
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19690
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19680
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19670
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19660
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19650
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19640
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19630
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19620
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19610
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19600
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19590
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19580
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19570
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19560
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19550
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19540
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19530
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19520
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19510
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19500
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19490
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19480
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19470
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19460
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19450
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19440
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19430
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19420
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19410
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19400
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19390
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19380
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19370
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19360
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19350
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19340
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19330
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19320
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19310
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19300
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19290
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19280
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19270
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19260
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19250
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19240
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19230
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19220
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19210
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19204286
(-461 from 1915)
5
No change from 1915
0.00045
19190
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19180
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19170
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19160
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19153825
First SSA data recorded
5
First SSA data recorded
0.00057
19140
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19130
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19120
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19110
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19100
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19090
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19080
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19070
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19060
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19050
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19040
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19030
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19020
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19010
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19000
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18990
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18980
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18970
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18960
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18950
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18940
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18930
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18920
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18910
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18900
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18890
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18880
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18870
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18860
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18850
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18840
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18830
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18820
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18810
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18800
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000

American States Popularity Rankings for Killian

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Number of Births )

California (CA)

California (CA) flagCalifornia (CA)#4492021#5342022#5742023

Texas (TX)

Texas (TX) flagTexas (TX)#4842021#5112022#4992023

Florida (FL)

Florida (FL) flagFlorida (FL)#3362021#3172022#3452023

Pennsylvania (PA)

Pennsylvania (PA) flagPennsylvania (PA)#2612021#3322022#2842023

New York (NY)

New York (NY) flagNew York (NY)#3322021#3452022#3562023

Ohio (OH)

Ohio (OH) flagOhio (OH)#2852021#2752022#2612023

Washington (WA)

Washington (WA) flagWashington (WA)#4012021#3012022#3552023

Illinois (IL)

Illinois (IL) flagIllinois (IL)#4222021#5132022#3922023

North Carolina (NC)

North Carolina (NC) flagNorth Carolina (NC)#3062021#2932022#3912023

Michigan (MI)

Michigan (MI) flagMichigan (MI)#3162021#2712022#2912023

Arizona (AZ)

Arizona (AZ) flagArizona (AZ)#2992021#4022022#4012023

Virginia (VA)

Virginia (VA) flagVirginia (VA)#3912021#3342022#3922023

Missouri (MO)

Missouri (MO) flagMissouri (MO)#2612021#2812022#2892023

Georgia (GA)

Georgia (GA) flagGeorgia (GA)#4292021#5622022#4522023

Colorado (CO)

Colorado (CO) flagColorado (CO)#3792021#2502022#3562023

Indiana (IN)

Indiana (IN) flagIndiana (IN)#2742021#3132022#2682023

Tennessee (TN)

Tennessee (TN) flagTennessee (TN)#3552021#2932022#3822023

Massachusetts (MA)

Massachusetts (MA) flagMassachusetts (MA)#2182021#3722022#3192023

Wisconsin (WI)

Wisconsin (WI) flagWisconsin (WI)#3372021#2672022#3192023

Oregon (OR)

Oregon (OR) flagOregon (OR)#2602021#2682022#2722023

Utah (UT)

Utah (UT) flagUtah (UT)#3982021#4192022#3692023

New Jersey (NJ)

New Jersey (NJ) flagNew Jersey (NJ)#4012021#5942022#3672023

Maryland (MD)

Maryland (MD) flagMaryland (MD)#3042021#3782022#3532023

Kentucky (KY)

Kentucky (KY) flagKentucky (KY)#3012021#3292022#3932023

Oklahoma (OK)

Oklahoma (OK) flagOklahoma (OK)#4492021#4142022#3532023

Minnesota (MN)

Minnesota (MN) flagMinnesota (MN)#4102021#2822022#7792023

South Carolina (SC)

South Carolina (SC) flagSouth Carolina (SC)#3682021#3242022#3902023

Kansas (KS)

Kansas (KS) flagKansas (KS)#3062021#3682022#4952023

Iowa (IA)

Iowa (IA) flagIowa (IA)#3452021#6192022#2442023

Alabama (AL)

Alabama (AL) flagAlabama (AL)#4592021#4282022#6702023

Louisiana (LA)

Louisiana (LA) flagLouisiana (LA)#4412021#5152022#6112023

Nevada (NV)

Nevada (NV) flagNevada (NV)#3942019#2522022#2262023

Connecticut (CT)

Connecticut (CT) flagConnecticut (CT)#4172021#3442022#2612023

Idaho (ID)

Idaho (ID) flagIdaho (ID)#3332021#3052022#2062023

West Virginia (WV)

West Virginia (WV) flagWest Virginia (WV)#1822021#2152022#2522023

Arkansas (AR)

Arkansas (AR) flagArkansas (AR)#5992021#3492022#3482023

Alaska (AK)

Alaska (AK) flagAlaska (AK)#1702021#1012022#1312023

New Mexico (NM)

New Mexico (NM) flagNew Mexico (NM)#4042021#3882022#2752023

Nebraska (NE)

Nebraska (NE) flagNebraska (NE)#3202019#3592021#2202023

New Hampshire (NH)

New Hampshire (NH) flagNew Hampshire (NH)#1382020#1982021#2032022

Montana (MT)

Montana (MT) flagMontana (MT)#1172019#1862020#1642021

Mississippi (MS)

Mississippi (MS) flagMississippi (MS)#2982019#4472021#6002023

North Dakota (ND)

North Dakota (ND) flagNorth Dakota (ND)#2542020#2182022#1982023

Hawaii (HI)

Hawaii (HI) flagHawaii (HI)#1802017#2722018#2662021

Maine (ME)

Maine (ME) flagMaine (ME)#2562018#1852019#2182022

Wyoming (WY)

Wyoming (WY) flagWyoming (WY)#1482016#442017#1172020

South Dakota (SD)

South Dakota (SD) flagSouth Dakota (SD)#2342019#2672022#2722023

Vermont (VT)

Vermont (VT) flagVermont (VT)#1462016#572018

Delaware (DE)

Delaware (DE) flagDelaware (DE)#2262017#1252023

Rhode Island (RI)

Rhode Island (RI) flagRhode Island (RI)#2112017#1612018

Popularity Rankings for Killian in other Countries and American Territories

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Rankings)

Popularity in France

France flagFrance#902008#1112009#1632010

Popularity in Ireland

Ireland flagIreland#1092021#1572022#1552023

Popularity in Belgium

Belgium flagBelgium#1802001#1462002#1822004

Popularity in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico flagPuerto Rico#1952020#2592021#1652022

Popularity in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland flagNorthern Ireland#2662021#1922022#2492023

Popularity in Iceland

Iceland flagIceland#2942022

Popularity in Scotland

Scotland flagScotland#3282021#3252022#3412023

Popularity in Sweden

Sweden flagSweden#3662022#3822023

Popularity in Quebec, Canada

Quebec, Canada flagQuebec, Canada#3862020#4482021#4982022

Popularity in New Zealand

New Zealand flagNew Zealand#3922023

Popularity in Canada

Canada flagCanada#4582021#7112022#4072023

Popularity in England and Wales

England and Wales flagEngland and Wales#5262019#6232020#5772021

Popularity in Switzerland

Switzerland flagSwitzerland#8912015#6482016#6542017

Popularity in Poland

Poland flagPoland#7292013

Source: Social Security Administration (SSA) and Other National Sources

Is Killian a Name for Boys or Girls?

Killian is usually a boy’s name. It’s cool and unique, fitting well with modern naming trends for boys.

Variants, Nicknames, Diminutives, and Ideal Middle Names for Killian

Killian in Famous People Names, Pop Culture, and Places

  • Killian Donnelly (Actor, born 1984): An Irish actor known for his performances in musical theatre, including leading roles in "Les Misérables" and "The Phantom of the Opera."
  • Killian Scott (Actor, born 1985): An Irish actor recognized for his role in the crime drama series "Love/Hate."
  • Killian Hayes (Basketball Player, born 2001): A French-American professional basketball player in the NBA.
  • Killian Jornet (Mountaineer, born 1987): A Spanish mountaineer and long-distance runner famous for his speed ascents of major peaks.
  • Killian Dain (Wrestler, born 1984): A Northern Irish professional wrestler currently signed with WWE.
  • Killian Peier (Ski Jumper, born 1995): A Swiss ski jumper who competes in the FIS Ski Jumping World Cup.
  • Killian Jones ("Once Upon a Time," 2011 TV Series): Also known as Captain Hook, he is a charismatic pirate seeking redemption and love.
  • Killian Town (Louisiana, USA): A small town in Livingston Parish with a population primarily involved in local industries.
  • Killian Hill Park (Georgia, USA): A public park in Lilburn, featuring sports facilities and walking trails.
  • Killian Court (Massachusetts, USA): A prominent open space located on the campus of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge.
  • Killian Hill Baptist Church (Georgia, USA): A church community in Lilburn that serves the local population with various religious and social services.

Similar Names to Killian

Sibling Names for Killian

Parents Who Like the Name Killian Also Like

Finally, I hope the name Killian with rich history and meaning can bring strength and inspiration to your little one. Take care, and happy naming!
Helen Doanna

Helen Doanna

Editor in Chief, Educational Specialist, and Senior Content Creator

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Child Development Specialist, Child-care Coordinator, Family Support Specialist, Content Writer, Communications Specialist, Educational Consultant, STEAM Teacher

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1. University of Social Science and Humanity, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

  • Program: Bachelor’s degree in Faculty of Literature and Journalism
  • Focus: In-depth knowledge of Literature, knowledge and skills to perceive, create literature or work in related fields; Basic knowledge of communications.

2. University of Social Science and Humanity, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

  • Program: Bachelor’s degree in Education Faculty
  • Focus: Core knowledge of social sciences and humanities – the root for the development of progressive values of education, Multicultural communication in education, Contemporary education in the context of globalization, Learning in the digital technology era, Basic issues of STEAM education, Classroom Management, Special education.

3. Oregon State University, Oregan, US

  • Program: Bachelor’s degree in Faculty of Human Development and Family Sciences – Child Development
  • Focus: Different stages of development, from infancy to adulthood; Develop a strong foundation for a career in early childhood programs or classrooms; Learn strategies for supporting young children’s development in early childhood settings.
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Helen is an experienced educational specialist and content creator, known for her innovative approach to children’s learning. With a background in literature and child development, she composes engaging educational content for SimpleKids.net. Her work emphasizes creativity, engagement, and simplicity, aiming to make learning enjoyable and accessible for children and their families.

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