Cillian: Meaning, origin and popularity
Pronounced KIL-ee-un · 3 syllables
Cillian means “bright-headed; little church”, from Irish.
Irish saint's name, possibly derived from ceallach (“strife”) (ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *kelh2- (“to beat, strike”)) or ceall (“monastery, church”).
- Meaning
- bright-headed; little church
- Origin
- Irish
- Pronunciation
- KIL-ee-un
- US rank (2025)
- #507
- US babies a year
- about 488 (2021–2025)
- Peak
- around 2020
- Style
- Rising
How popular is Cillian?
Cillian was the #507 name in the US in 2025, given to 595 babies. It’s rising: up 475% on 2011–2015. It peaked around 2020.
Around the world
| Country | Rank |
|---|---|
| United States | #507 |
| England & Wales | #238 |
| Scotland | #150 |
| Northern Ireland | #9 |
| Ireland | #9 |
| Canada | #476 |
| Australia | #352 |
How old are people named Cillian?
Half of US adults named Cillian are older than 20; most are between 18 and 23. (Estimated from US births by year and life tables.)
Names like Cillian
Chosen by the same families or with a similar style and era.
On these lists
Questions about Cillian
What does the name Cillian mean?
Cillian means “bright-headed; little church”. It comes from Irish.
How do you pronounce Cillian?
Cillian is pronounced KIL-ee-un.
How popular is the name Cillian?
Cillian was the #507 name in the US in 2025, given to 595 babies. It’s rising: up 475% on 2011–2015. It peaked around 2020.
How old are people named Cillian?
Half of US adults named Cillian are older than 20. Most are between 18 and 23.