Kaylan first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Kaylan has been for the last 46 years (from 1979 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Kaylan

Feminine name of Irish origin translated as "she who rules".

Popularity of Kaylan by gender

Based on the last 46 years of data, Kaylan is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 85% of people named Kaylan being female.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 23 male babies and 18 female babies born with the name Kaylan.

It's also interesting to see that despite Kaylan being historically a mostly female name, the most recent data from 2024 shows a shift in the trend, with more male babies being named Kaylan.

YearMale CountFemale Count
20242318
20232013
20221819
20211215
2020821
20191726
20181619
20171728
20162137
20151946
20141737
20131562
20121685
20111394
201026114
200930119
200817109
200719113
200615144
200515131
200411102
200328140
200226148
200118167
200025215
199918193
199821211
199725231
199628170
199536165
199431178
199325156
199224149
19911598
199014127
198919115
198817104
19871163
1986964
19851181
1984581
1983795
1982524
1981032
1980018
197906

The history of the first name Kaylan

The name Kaylan finds its roots in the Gaelic language, originating from the medieval Irish word "caolán," which means "slender" or "graceful." This name gained prominence during the Middle Ages in Ireland and parts of Scotland.

In ancient Irish folklore, Kaylan was the name of a legendary warrior princess known for her bravery and skill in battle. Her name was often invoked as a symbol of strength and resilience, especially among the Celtic tribes.

One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Kaylan can be found in the Annals of Ulster, a historical chronicle written by medieval Irish monks in the late 15th century. The annals mention a chieftain named Kaylan mac Néill, who ruled over a territory in present-day County Antrim.

Throughout history, several notable individuals bore the name Kaylan. In the 11th century, Kaylan of Monmouth was a renowned Welsh scholar and historian who wrote extensively about the legends of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table.

During the 16th century, Kaylan O'Malley was an influential Irish chieftain who led a rebellion against English rule in County Mayo. Her defiance and leadership skills earned her a place in Irish folklore as a symbol of resistance against oppression.

In the 18th century, Kaylan MacLachlan was a Scottish poet and writer known for his works celebrating the natural beauty of the Highlands and the rich cultural heritage of his homeland.

Moving into the 19th century, Kaylan Fitzgerald was an Irish-American politician who served as a member of the United States House of Representatives from New York. He was a vocal advocate for Irish immigrants' rights and played a significant role in shaping the Irish-American community in the United States.

Another noteworthy bearer of the name was Kaylan Murphy, a 20th-century Irish revolutionary who fought alongside Michael Collins during the Irish War of Independence. She was recognized for her courage and unwavering commitment to the cause of Irish freedom.

While the name Kaylan may have its roots in ancient Celtic cultures, it has endured through the ages, carrying with it a sense of strength, grace, and resilience. These historical figures have left an indelible mark on the legacy of this name, ensuring its place in the annals of history.

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

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

Reference this page

We spend a lot of resources downloading, cleaning, merging, and formatting the data that is shown on the site.

If you found the data or information on this page useful in your research, please use the tool below to properly cite or reference Name Census as the source. We appreciate your support!

Search for a name

Search for a first or last name to learn more about its origin, meaning, and more.

Simple as that.

Search
Search
Background shape