Killian is a unique and distinctive given name of Irish origin. It is derived from the Irish surname "Cillíon", which is believed to have been originally bestowed upon a child born near a church or monastery, as the name means "church" in Irish Gaelic.
The earliest known bearer of this name was Saint Cillian, who was a seventh-century Irish saint and abbot. According to legend, he founded a monastery in County Kerry, Ireland, where he served as its abbot until his death. Over time, the name became popular among the Irish people and eventually spread beyond Ireland's borders.
In recent years, Killian has gained popularity as a given name for boys throughout the world. It is often associated with strength, courage, and intelligence, perhaps due to its connection to Saint Cillian. However, it is important to note that these associations are not inherent in the name itself, but rather have been attributed to it over time through cultural interpretation.
Overall, Killian is a memorable and meaningful name choice for parents looking for something a bit different from the usual suspects. With its Irish origins and rich history, this name carries a certain timelessness and distinction that sets it apart from other names of similar popularity.
The name Killian experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the past century. After starting with a consistent low number of births between 1915 and 1982, there was a substantial increase from 1986 onwards. The highest peak occurred recently, with 1382 births in 2016. However, there has been a recent decline, with numbers dropping below 900 since 2020. Overall, there have been 14556 births named Killian recorded since 1915.