Cailan is a unique and captivating given name of Irish origin, derived from the Irish surname Caileán. It is composed of two elements: "cailleach," meaning old woman or hag, and "-án," a diminutive suffix. While it might seem unusual to derive a name from such a term, in ancient Irish culture, the figure of the cailleach was often revered as a wise and powerful guardian spirit. Thus, Cailan can be interpreted as a name that signifies wisdom, strength, and ancient lineage. The name is typically associated with masculinity but can also be used for females due to its unique sound and meaning. It has gained some popularity in recent years, particularly in English-speaking countries, as parents seek distinctive names for their children.
The name Cailan saw a peak in popularity between the years 1999 to 2003 with 10 and 11 births respectively. However, it has since decreased, with only 5 or 6 births per year from 2007 onwards. Over the given period, there were a total of 71 babies named Cailan.