Killian
Killian is a boy name of Irish origin meaning “Church; strife”, pronounced KIL-ee-un. It ranked #418 in the United States in 2025, given to 770 babies, and peaked at #248 in 2017. Common nicknames: Kill, Ki.
How popular is 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.
What does Killian mean, and where does it come from?
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.
How is Killian used 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.
What are the nicknames for Killian?
Famous People Named Killian
- Killian Hayes — French-American NBA point guard
- Killian Tillie — French professional basketball player
Similar Names to Killian
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Sibling Name Ideas for Killian
Looking for names that pair well with Killian? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
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.