Kilian is a unique and distinctive name of Irish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic word "Cillíne," which means "little church." This name has a rich history and has been used by several notable figures throughout time.
The earliest record of the name Kilian dates back to the 12th century, where it was borne by an Irish saint named Kilian of Cloyne. Saint Kilian was a bishop who became renowned for his miraculous powers and his ability to heal the sick. He is now considered the patron saint of epilepsy in Ireland.
In more recent history, Kilian has been used as a given name in various European countries. In Germany, for instance, it has been quite popular throughout the 20th century. It reached its peak popularity in the late 1970s and early 1980s when it was among the top 50 most common names.
Kilian is also known as a surname, particularly in Ireland where it is often found in County Kerry. However, despite being more commonly used as a surname in some regions, Kilian remains a charming and unusual first name choice for boys.
In terms of its meaning, Kilian signifies "little church" or "little bright one," making it a name with both historical significance and an appealing metaphorical connotation. This unique combination makes Kilian a compelling name option that stands out from more common choices while still possessing deep roots in history and culture.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Kilian has seen a significant increase in popularity among parents in the United States over the past five decades.
From 1970 to around the mid-1980s, the number of babies named Kilian remained relatively low and fluctuated between 5 to 12 births per year. However, starting from 1990 onwards, there was a notable rise in its popularity with more than 18 babies being named Kilian annually.
The years 1992 to 1996 marked the beginning of a consistent upward trend for the name Kilian, with approximately 20 to 25 births per year. This popularity grew further in the late 1990s and early 2000s, reaching an average of around 30 births annually between 2001 and 2014.
The peak in popularity for Kilian came in recent years. In 2014, there were 91 babies named Kilian, which then doubled to 182 in the following two years (2015-2016). Although there was a slight dip in 2017 and 2018, the trend reversed again from 2019 onwards. In just three years, from 2019 to 2021, the number of babies named Kilian increased by more than 50%, reaching an impressive 168 births in 2021.
In conclusion, while Kilian was once a relatively uncommon name in the United States, its popularity has grown steadily over time. From a total of just 5 births in 1970, it rose to an all-time high of 211 births in 2023, reflecting its increasing acceptance among parents as a distinctive yet appealing choice for their newborn sons.