Kielan is a unique and distinctive male given name of Irish origin. The name is derived from the Irish surname "Ó Ceallaigh," which is believed to have been derived from the ancient Gaelic personal name "Ceallach." This name is thought to have meant "bright-headed" or "companion of the bright ones."
The Ó Ceallaigh clan was a prominent one in Ireland, and they were known for their military prowess. The surname has been associated with several notable figures throughout history, including Turlough O'Carroll (also known as Turlough Liath), who was a ruler of the ancient Kingdom of Offaly.
The name Kielan is relatively rare, even in Ireland, but it has gained some popularity in recent years due to its unique sound and Irish origins. It is often used as an alternative to more common Irish names such as Kevin or Sean.
In terms of its meaning, Kielan carries a positive connotation with its association to brightness and companionship. It's a name that stands out while still having roots in history and culture.
The name Kielan has seen a varied history of popularity in the United States over the past few decades. The earliest record of its usage was in 1989 with six births that year. There were no births registered under this name for several years until it reemerged in 1993, again with six births.
The late 1990s saw a fluctuating number of births for the name Kielan, ranging from five to nine between 1994 and 2008. Notably, there were eleven births in 2007, which was the highest recorded since the name first appeared on U.S. birth records.
However, from 2008 onwards, the number of newborns named Kielan started to decline again, with five or six births per year until 2014. There was then another increase in popularity between 2019 and 2021, with six births each year.
In total, there have been 110 babies named Kielan born in the United States since 1989. While it's not one of the most popular names, its usage has shown periods of fluctuation, indicating that while it may not be a mainstream choice, it is still being selected by parents for their children.