Meaning, origin, history
Kilian is a masculine given name of Irish origin. It is derived from the ancient Irish surname "Cillíne" or "Killane", which means "devoted to St. Kieran". St. Kieran was an Irish bishop and patron saint of gardening, who lived in the 6th century.
The name Kilian gained popularity during the Middle Ages due to the influence of the legendary French saint Kilian of Würzburg, who was martyred in Germany in the 7th century. He is considered the patron saint of wine growers and merchants.
In the United States, the name Kilian has seen a steady increase in usage since the late 20th century. It is now ranked among the top 1,000 most popular boys' names in the country.
Overall, Kilian is a strong and unique name with a rich history dating back to ancient Ireland. Its association with St. Kieran and St. Kilian makes it a suitable choice for parents seeking a name with religious significance.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Kilian since 1880
Total births
27
Total since 1880
Peak year
2011
6 births
in 2019
6
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
→
vs previous 5 years