Killian
Church; strife — a boy name of Irish origin
Popularity of Killian in the United States
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Meaning & Origin of Killian
Killian comes from the Irish name Cillian, likely built on "cill," meaning "church" or "monk's cell," though some scholars connect it to a root meaning "strife" or "conflict." The name honors Saint Killian, a seventh-century Irish missionary bishop who evangelized in Franconia (modern-day Germany) and is venerated as a patron saint of Würzburg. Killian has grown steadily popular in the United States, Ireland, and France, prized for its strong sound and deep Celtic Christian heritage.
Killian Around the World
Killian is used in 0 languages worldwide, with 2+ international variants.
TypeMale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
Nicknames for Killian
Famous People Named Killian
- Killian Hayes — French-American NBA point guard
- Killian Tillie — French professional basketball player
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Sibling Name Ideas for Killian
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Killian mean?
Killian is a boy name of Irish origin meaning "Church; strife." Killian comes from the Irish name Cillian, likely built on "cill," meaning "church" or "monk's cell," though some scholars connect it to a root meaning "strife" or "conflict." The name honors Saint Killian, a seventh-century Irish missionary bishop who evangelized in Franconia (modern-day Germany) and is venerated as a patron saint of Würzburg.
How do you pronounce Killian?
Killian is pronounced KIL-ee-un. Common variations include Kilian, Cillian, Killean.
Is Killian a boy name?
Yes, Killian is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include Kill, Ki.
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