Name Meaning & Origin
🔊 KIL-ee-an /kɪˈliːɑːn/
"Warrior"
Data last updated: 2025 SSA records
Derived from the Latin 'Cilianus', meaning 'of Kilia'. Kilian is a Roman saint who was a priest and a hermit. He was martyred by the Visigoths in the 3rd century.
Killian or Kilian, as a given name, is an Anglicized version of the Irish name Cillian. The name Cillian was borne by several early Irish saints including missionaries to Artois (France) and Franconia (Germany) and the author of the life of St Brigid.
The name Kilian is derived from the Latin name Kilianus, which is derived from the Greek name Κίλιαν. Kilian means 'free man', 'child of the free'. In Christian tradition, the name Kilian repres…
Emotional Traits
Hidden Personality
Lucky Colors
Numerology: People with a 3 life path number are adaptable, enthusiastic, and creative. They are the entertainers and the joy givers of the world.
Life Path 11 — Intuition & Insight: Highly intuitive, idealistic, and visionary.
Cultural Impact
The name Kilian is of ancient Romanorigin, and its association with a Christian martyr adds historical and religious depth to it. It is also a less common name, which can make it appealing for those seeking something unique.
Spiritual Significance
Kilian's name holds a reminder of the strength and courage of early Christian martyrs. It is a name for those who seek inspiration from the story of a devout priest and hermit, who gave his life in the face of persecution for his faith. It is a name that can encourage perseverance and commitment to one's beliefs.
Age breakdown · state data · decade charts · popularity trend — all on the full statistics page.
Root element "Kilian" emerges in Latin tradition, carrying the core meaning "Warrior".
Used in English literary and religious texts, spreading through cultural exchange.
Carried across regions through trade, religion, and migration. Multiple spelling variants develop.
Standardized in its current form. Continues to be used across multiple cultures worldwide.
~2,539 people named Kilian in the US. Peaked in 2023 with 212 recorded uses.
Saint Kilian was a Frankish bishop and Irish missionary, who became the patron saint of Würzburg, Germany. He is said to have been martyred in the late 7th century, probably around 689 AD, after converting the Franconian people to Christianity.
According to tradition, Saint Kilian, along with two companions, Colman and Totnan, were sent by St. Columbanus, an Irish missionary, to convert the Germanic tribes in the region of modern-day Würzburg. They preached the Gospel, built a church and were eventually martyred for their faith.
Modern Usage
The name Kilian is of Celtic origin and is associated with Saint Kilian, the patron saint of Ireland who is believed to have been a missionary and a bishop in the 7th century. In modern times, the name Kilian is commonly seen in Catholic contexts, particularly in relation to the celebration of this saint's life and works. It is also associated with Ireland and Irish culture. Additionally, the name Kilian has gained popularity in the brewing industry, with several craft breweries using the name for their beers. Social media platforms, such as Facebook and Twitter, are used to share information and updates about the life and legacy of Saint Kilian. Wikipedia is another platform where one can find extensive information about the saint. Beer packaging, such as beer labels and bottle designs, often feature the name Kilian, reflecting its Irish and Catholic connections.
Kilian means "Warrior" and is a popular Christian name with deep spiritual significance.
Yes, Kilian is a beautiful Christian name that carries positive meaning and is widely used in Christian communities around the world.
Kilian has Latin origins and is rooted in Christian tradition and culture.
The Life Path number for Kilian is 11, associated with Intuition & Insight. Soul Urge: 1. Personality: 1.
Kilian is Predominantly Male. Based on US data, 99% male and 1% female.
Approximately 2,539 people in the United States are named Kilian. The name peaked in 2023 with 212 recorded uses.
Related Names
Similar Sounding
From Our Database
🔍 Look up another name's meaning