Cillian is an Irish given name of Irish origin, derived from the Irish language word "Cillín". The name Cillian means "devoted to God" or "church", as it was originally associated with St. Cillian of Ireland, a saint who lived in the 7th century.
The name Cillian is believed to have originated from the ancient Irish clan, the Uí Chinnéide, who were known for their scholarly pursuits and religious devotion. The name has been popular among the Irish nobility throughout history and has also been used by notable figures such as Cillian Murphy, an Irish actor who gained international recognition for his role in the film "28 Days Later".
Cillian is a relatively uncommon given name outside of Ireland but has gained popularity in recent years due to its unique sound and cultural significance. It is often spelled as Cilian or Killian, especially in English-speaking countries outside of Ireland. Despite its variations in spelling, the name retains its Irish origin and meaning.
In summary, Cillian is an Irish given name with a rich history and meaningful origin. Its association with St. Cillian and the Uí Chinnéide clan gives it a sense of cultural significance and heritage that continues to be celebrated today.
The name Cillian has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past two decades in the United States. In 1995, only five babies were named Cillian, but by 2023, that number had jumped to an impressive 476.
This steady growth can be observed throughout the data, with each year showing a higher number of births than the previous one. The most notable increase occurred between 2015 and 2016, when the number of Cillian births nearly doubled from 121 to 177. This trend has continued, with another significant leap in popularity between 2021 and 2022, where the figure rose from 340 to 350.
Over the entire period spanning from 1995 to 2023, a total of 2816 babies were named Cillian in the United States. This demonstrates that while it may not be one of the most popular names, Cillian has established itself as a distinctive and increasingly favored choice among parents in recent years.
It is interesting to note that this increase in popularity coincides with the rise of social media and the internet, which could indicate that the name's growing visibility online has contributed to its increasing appeal. However, further research would be needed to confirm such a connection. Regardless, it is clear that Cillian is now firmly established as one of the more popular names for boys in the United States today.