Kellan is a unique and distinctive name of Irish origin. It is derived from the ancient Irish word "Cillén," which means "little bright-headed one." The name has been passed down through generations in Ireland, but it has also gained popularity internationally in recent years.
The earliest known use of the name Kellan can be traced back to the 9th century, where it was used by a monk from County Kerry in Ireland. Since then, the name has appeared sporadically throughout Irish history and literature. In the 17th century, there is record of a Kellan O'Connor who was a chieftain of the O'Connor clan in Connacht.
While Kellan may not have been as popular as some other Irish names in the past, it has gained significant traction in recent decades. Its unique sound and meaningful origin have attracted many parents looking for distinctive names for their children.
In addition to its Irish roots, the name Kellan also has a connection to American culture through the actor Kellan Lutz, who is best known for his role as Emmett Cullen in the Twilight series of films.
Overall, Kellan is a name with a rich history and meaningful origin. Its unique sound and distinctive meaning make it an attractive choice for parents looking for a special name for their child. Whether you're Irish or not, there's something appealing about this name that has captured the hearts of many.
The name Kellan has seen a significant rise in popularity over the past few decades in the United States. Starting with only 6 births in 1958, the number of babies named Kellan increased steadily throughout the 1980s and 1990s.
By the year 2000, there were 61 births, marking a substantial jump from previous years. The name continued to gain traction in the early 2000s, with 73 births in 2001 and reaching triple digits for the first time in 2003 with 101 births.
The year 2004 was a turning point for the name Kellan, as it saw an unprecedented surge in popularity with 228 births. This marked a significant increase from the previous year and solidified Kellan's status as a popular boys' name.
The popularity of Kellan peaked between 2010 and 2014, with over 800 births each year during this period. The highest point was reached in 2013, with 843 births.
However, since 2015, the number of babies named Kellan has been on a downward trend. In 2022 and 2023, there were 284 and 256 births respectively, indicating that while still popular, Kellan is no longer as prevalent as it once was.
In total, from 1958 to 2023, there have been 10,281 babies named Kellan born in the United States. This demonstrates the name's enduring popularity over several generations and its ability to maintain a consistent presence among baby names.