Killian is a unique and distinctive given name of Irish origin. It is derived from the Irish surname "Cillíon", which is believed to have been originally bestowed upon a child born near a church or monastery, as the name means "church" in Irish Gaelic.
The earliest known bearer of this name was Saint Cillian, who was a seventh-century Irish saint and abbot. According to legend, he founded a monastery in County Kerry, Ireland, where he served as its abbot until his death. Over time, the name became popular among the Irish people and eventually spread beyond Ireland's borders.
In recent years, Killian has gained popularity as a given name for boys throughout the world. It is often associated with strength, courage, and intelligence, perhaps due to its connection to Saint Cillian. However, it is important to note that these associations are not inherent in the name itself, but rather have been attributed to it over time through cultural interpretation.
Overall, Killian is a memorable and meaningful name choice for parents looking for something a bit different from the usual suspects. With its Irish origins and rich history, this name carries a certain timelessness and distinction that sets it apart from other names of similar popularity.
The name Killian has seen a significant rise in popularity over the past few decades in the United States, with a steady increase in the number of births each year.
In the early to mid-twentieth century, the name was relatively uncommon, with only five births recorded in both 1915 and 1920. However, beginning in the late 1980s, there was a notable uptick in the number of babies named Killian each year.
By the early 1990s, over 70 births were being recorded annually, with 135 births in 1995 and 145 births in both 1996 and 1997. The trend continued into the new millennium, with over 100 babies named Killian born each year between 2000 and 2010.
In recent years, the popularity of the name has skyrocketed. In 2014, there were 544 births recorded for the name Killian, and by 2016 that number had more than doubled to 1382. Although there was a slight dip in popularity in 2018 and 2019, with 1229 and 1089 births respectively, the name has remained consistently popular, with over 850 babies named Killian born each year since then.
In total, there have been 14,556 babies named Killian born in the United States since records began. This data reflects the enduring popularity of the name and its ability to capture the hearts of parents across generations.