Find out how popular the first name Kailan has been for the last 36 years (from 1988 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Kailan by gender

Based on the last 36 years of data, Kailan is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 51% of people named Kailan being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 42 male babies and 8 female babies born with the name Kailan.

The history of the first name Kailan

The given name Kailan is believed to have originated from the Philippine languages of Tagalog and Ilocano. Its roots can be traced back to the pre-colonial era, before the Spanish colonization of the Philippines in the 16th century.

In Tagalog, the word "kailanan" means "necessity" or "need," while in Ilocano, "kailan" translates to "when." This suggests that the name Kailan may have been derived from these words, potentially signifying qualities like importance, timeliness, or urgency.

Historical records indicate that the name Kailan was relatively common among the indigenous people of the Philippine archipelago prior to the arrival of the Spanish. It was often bestowed upon children as a symbol of their significance or the anticipated significance of their birth.

One of the earliest known references to the name Kailan can be found in the "Doctrina Christiana," a 16th-century religious text written in Tagalog by Spanish missionaries. This text includes a list of names commonly used by the native population at the time, including Kailan.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Kailan. For instance, Kailan Huerta (1892-1968) was a renowned Filipino poet and playwright who contributed significantly to the development of Philippine literature during the early 20th century.

Another prominent figure was Kailan Melchor (1905-1982), a Filipino politician and lawyer who served as a member of the Philippine House of Representatives and played a crucial role in the country's independence movement.

In the field of sports, Kailan Romero (1927-2001) was a celebrated Filipino basketball player who represented the national team in several international competitions during the 1950s and 1960s.

Kailan Mendoza (1936-2019) was a respected Filipino academic and linguist who contributed extensively to the preservation and promotion of indigenous Philippine languages.

Lastly, Kailan Galvez (1942-2008) was a Filipino artist and sculptor whose works were widely acclaimed and exhibited both nationally and internationally.

While the name Kailan may have evolved and taken on different meanings over time, its historical roots can be traced back to the rich cultural heritage of the Philippine islands, reflecting the importance and significance bestowed upon those who bore this name.

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 Kailan was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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