Kilian is a male given name of Latin origin, derived from the Roman family name Cilleius or Cellius, which itself comes from the Latin word "cella," meaning "small room" or "chamber." This name has been popular throughout history, with notable figures such as Saint Kilian, an Irish missionary who brought Christianity to Franconia in the 7th century. In France and Belgium, Kilian is often associated with the region of Franche-Comté, where it has been traditionally used for centuries. The name Kilian gained further popularity in the late 20th and early 21st centuries due to its use by several celebrities, including Swiss footballer Kilian Mbappé and French actor Kilian Scott.
"The name Kilian experienced a notable gap between 1997 and 2004 with no recorded births during those years. It then gained traction from 2010 onwards, peaking at six births each in 2011 and 2019."