Kilian, of Latin origin, signifies 'calm' or 'tranquil'. It is a unisex name, derived from the Latin word 'calar', meaning 'calm' or 'smooth'. Historically, Kilian has been used more often as a masculine given name, but in recent years, it has also gained popularity as a feminine name. The name Kilian is associated with Saint Kilian, an Irish missionary who was martyred in the 7th century. The name is generally pronounced /ˈkɪliən/. It's a unique choice that offers a blend of historical significance and modern appeal.
The name Kilian has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past five decades, with a total of 2302 children being named Kilian between 1970 and 2023. The number of births was relatively low until the late 1980s, with no more than eight births per year between 1970 and 1984. However, starting from 1988, there has been a steady rise in the popularity of the name, reaching over 100 births per year consistently since 2014. The highest number of Kilian births recorded was in 2023, with 211 newborns given this name.