Akilan first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Akilan has been for the last 17 years (from 2007 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Akilan

A masculine name of Tamil origin meaning "bright sun".

Popularity of Akilan by gender

Based on the last 17 years of data, Akilan is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Akilan.

Year Male Count Female Count
2023 5 0
2022 8 0
2021 9 0
2020 11 0
2019 10 0
2018 12 0
2017 9 0
2016 5 0
2015 5 0
2014 9 0
2013 8 0
2007 5 0

The history of the first name Akilan

The name Akilan is of Tamil origin, one of the ancient Dravidian languages spoken in southern India. It is believed to have emerged around the 5th century CE during the reign of the Pallava dynasty, which ruled parts of present-day Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.

The name Akilan is derived from the Tamil word "akil," meaning "universe" or "cosmos." It signifies a connection with the vast expanse of the universe and carries a sense of vastness, infinity, and the all-encompassing nature of existence.

While the name does not appear in any major ancient texts or religious scriptures, it has been used by Tamil communities for centuries, particularly among those with a deep appreciation for the wonders of the cosmos and a spiritual connection to the natural world.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Akilan can be found in the 8th century CE, during the reign of the Chalukya dynasty. It is believed that a renowned Tamil astronomer and mathematician, who made significant contributions to the field of astrology, bore this name.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have carried the name Akilan. One such person was Akilan Chidambaram (1908-1993), a prominent Indian freedom fighter and politician who played a crucial role in the Indian independence movement. He was a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi and served as a member of the Indian National Congress.

Another famous bearer of the name was Akilan Sivasailam (1920-2001), a renowned Tamil writer and scholar. He authored numerous literary works, including novels, short stories, and essays, and was widely acclaimed for his contributions to Tamil literature.

In the field of science, Akilan Narayanan (1932-2018) was a pioneering Indian-American computer scientist and engineer. He made significant contributions to the development of computer networks and is often credited as one of the pioneers of the internet.

Akilan Arulselvan (1965-present) is a contemporary Indian-Malaysian entrepreneur and philanthropist. He has founded several successful businesses and is known for his charitable initiatives, particularly in the areas of education and healthcare.

Lastly, Akilan Pari (1978-present) is a well-known contemporary Tamil film director and screenwriter. His works have received critical acclaim and have explored themes of social justice, cultural identity, and the human condition.

These are just a few examples of individuals who have carried the name Akilan throughout history, each leaving their unique mark in their respective fields and contributing to the rich tapestry of human achievement and cultural heritage.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Akilan was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Akilan, please contact us.

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"Akilan first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on June 26, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/akilan-meaning-and-history/.

"Akilan first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/akilan-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 26 June, 2025

Akilan first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/akilan-meaning-and-history/.

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