KILLIAN  

Gender: M
Origin: Irish
Meaning: "church"

Popularity in 2008: #794

A spirited yet resonant Gaelic surname that was borne by several Irish saints and could make a distinctive replacement for the feminized Kelly. Possible downsides: an unsavory first syllable, and a connection to the trendy brew.

Variations:
Killiean, Killion, Killien, Killy, Cillian, Kilean, Killie, Kilian, Kilien

Killian is being discussed in our message boards:

• my someday son..
• Baby Names!
• Stumped by Names
• Triple A, Triple B, Triple C...Boys!
• The Name Chain-Boys

Read Nameberry blog posts about Killian:

• IRISH NAMES NOW: What's doing in Dublin?
• EXOTIC LITE: Boys' Edition
• NAMEBERRY HERESIES: Those nameberry faves are not loved by all
• POPULAR NAMES: Hidden Gems on the List
• THE NEW BOYS' NAMES 3: Ethnic Choices