Kaliyan is of Sanskrit origin, translating to 'black' or 'dark'. It's often associated with Lord Kaliyan, an incarnation of Vishnu who appeared as a dark-complexioned figure in Hindu mythology.
The name Kaliyan saw a notable peak in popularity between 2013 and 2014 with 10 births each year. However, it has since declined, with only 5 births recorded in both 2018 and 2021, and again in 2022. Overall, the name Kaliyan has been given to a total of 75 children from 2006 to 2022.