Find out how popular the first name Kailen has been for the last 42 years (from 1983 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Kailen by gender

Based on the last 42 years of data, Kailen is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 56% of people named Kailen being male.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 38 male babies and 5 female babies born with the name Kailen.

The history of the first name Kailen

The name Kailen is of Scottish Gaelic origin, derived from the ancient Celtic word "cailean," which means "whelp" or "young wolf." It is believed to have emerged during the Middle Ages, around the 11th or 12th century, when the Scottish Highlands were still predominantly inhabited by Gaelic-speaking clans and tribes.

In its earliest form, the name was spelled "Cailean" or "Cailen," and it was commonly bestowed upon young boys born into Highland warrior families. The name carried connotations of strength, courage, and fierceness, which were highly prized qualities among the Celtic warriors of that era.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name can be found in the ancient Gaelic manuscript known as the "Book of Deer," which dates back to the 9th or 10th century. This manuscript contains genealogies and records of the Pictish and Scottish nobility, and it includes several references to individuals bearing the name Cailean or variations thereof.

Throughout the centuries, the name has undergone various spelling variations, including Cailean, Cailen, Kalen, Kaylen, and eventually settling on the modern spelling of Kailen. This evolution likely occurred as the name spread beyond the Scottish Highlands and was adapted to different linguistic and cultural contexts.

One of the earliest known historical figures to bear the name Kailen was Cailean Mór, a powerful Scottish nobleman and Chief of the Clan MacLean in the 13th century. He played a significant role in the Wars of Scottish Independence against England and was renowned for his military prowess.

Another notable bearer of the name was Kailen O'Shaughnessy, an Irish chieftain and warrior who lived in the 15th century. He was known for his fierce resistance against English rule in Ireland and his defense of the traditional Gaelic way of life.

In the 16th century, Kailen MacGregor was a prominent member of the Clan Gregor, a Highland Scottish clan renowned for their martial skills. He is said to have participated in several battles against rival clans and the English forces during the turbulent period of Scottish history.

Fast-forwarding to the 19th century, Kailen McCallum was a Scottish poet and writer who contributed to the preservation of Gaelic literature and culture. His works celebrated the rich heritage and traditions of the Scottish Highlands.

More recently, in the 20th century, Kailen Tompkins was a renowned American mountaineer and explorer who led several expeditions to some of the world's highest peaks, including Mount Everest and K2.

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

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

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