Kellin first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Kellin has been for the last 42 years (from 1982 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Kellin

A Scottish variant spelling of the name Cailean, itself a Gaelic equivalent of Colin.

Popularity of Kellin by gender

Based on the last 42 years of data, Kellin is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 92% of people named Kellin being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 52 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Kellin.

Year Male Count Female Count
2023 52 0
2022 51 0
2021 65 5
2020 52 0
2019 51 0
2018 65 0
2017 67 0
2016 91 6
2015 76 0
2014 110 0
2013 74 5
2012 36 0
2011 15 5
2010 19 0
2009 14 0
2008 15 5
2007 12 7
2005 11 7
2004 10 7
2003 8 6
2002 7 0
2001 10 0
2000 10 0
1999 5 0
1997 10 0
1996 11 6
1995 8 8
1994 10 6
1993 10 0
1992 8 0
1991 8 5
1990 11 0
1989 9 6
1988 9 0
1987 14 0
1986 27 0
1985 12 5
1984 10 5
1983 9 0
1982 7 0

The history of the first name Kellin

The name Kellin is of English origin, derived from the Old English word "cyll," meaning a stream or brook. It is believed to have emerged as a surname in the 12th century, referring to someone who lived near a small body of water.

Over time, the name evolved and was adopted as a given name, particularly in the British Isles. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Kellin can be found in the Domesday Book, a comprehensive record of landowners in England commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. Here, the name appears as "Kelin."

In the Middle Ages, the name Kellin was relatively uncommon but not unheard of. It is recorded in several parish records and tax rolls from the 13th to 15th centuries, primarily in the counties of Lincolnshire and Yorkshire.

One notable bearer of the name Kellin was Kellin de Courtenay, a French nobleman who lived in the 13th century. He was a member of the prestigious House of Courtenay and served as a knight in the service of King Louis IX during the Seventh Crusade.

Another historical figure with the name Kellin was Kellin Burges, a merchant and alderman in the city of Bristol, England, in the 15th century. He was a prominent member of the local community and played a role in the city's governance.

In the 16th century, the name Kellin gained some popularity among Puritan families in England, who were drawn to its simple, biblical-sounding quality. One example from this period is Kellin Woodstock, a Puritan minister who served in the town of Ipswich, Massachusetts, in the early years of the American colonies.

Kellin Gibbons, a British soldier and explorer, was born in 1720 and is known for his travels and writings about the American West in the late 18th century. His journals provide valuable insights into the indigenous cultures and landscapes of the region.

Additionally, Kellin Wilcox, an American abolitionist and social reformer, was born in 1824. He was actively involved in the anti-slavery movement and worked tirelessly to promote the rights and welfare of African Americans.

While the name Kellin has never been among the most common given names, it has maintained a modest presence throughout history, particularly in English-speaking regions. Its association with nature and its simple, understated quality have likely contributed to its enduring appeal.

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

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

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"Kellin first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on June 17, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/kellin-meaning-and-history/.

"Kellin first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/kellin-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 17 June, 2025

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

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