Killashandra is a unique and intriguing female given name of Irish origin. It is composed of two elements: "Cill" meaning "church" or "cell," and "Seandhra," an old Irish personal name believed to mean "dark stream." Thus, Killashandra can be translated as "church by the dark stream."
The name Killashandra has a rich historical significance in Ireland. It is associated with the ancient church of Killashandra, located in County Cavan. This early Christian foundation was said to have been established by Saint Diarmait mac Cathal Crobdearg around the 5th century AD. The saint gave his name to the nearby river, which was called "Diarmait's dark stream," and eventually lent its name to the church itself.
Killashandra has not traditionally been a popular given name in Ireland or elsewhere. Its rarity makes it distinctive and memorable, appealing to parents seeking an uncommon yet meaningful name for their child. Those bearing this unique moniker may find themselves standing out from the crowd, embodying the spirit of Irish history and heritage while possessing a name that is both beautiful and significant.
"Killashandra is a unique and uncommon name, with only 11 recorded births in the United States since 1987. The name first appeared on the birth charts in 1987, with six newborn girls being named Killashandra that year. However, its popularity was short-lived as there were no reported births of this name for the following three years. In 1991, the name experienced a brief resurgence with five more babies being given the name Killashandra. Despite these fluctuations in popularity, Killashandra remains a distinctive and memorable moniker."