Find out how popular the first name Kellyn has been for the last 47 years (from 1977 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Kellyn by gender

Based on the last 47 years of data, Kellyn is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 90% of people named Kellyn being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 16 female babies and 8 male babies born with the name Kellyn.

The history of the first name Kellyn

The name Kellyn is a relatively modern variation of the traditional Irish name Cillian, which has its origins in the Gaelic language. Cillian is derived from the word "cill," meaning "church" or "monastery," and is believed to have originated as a surname for someone who lived or worked near a church or monastic settlement.

Kellyn is thought to have emerged as an anglicized spelling of Cillian, possibly to make the name more accessible and pronounceable for English speakers. While the exact timeline of this evolution is unclear, it likely gained popularity in the late 20th century as Irish names became more mainstream in English-speaking countries.

One of the earliest documented instances of the name Kellyn can be found in the 16th century, when it was recorded as a variant spelling of Cillian in historical records from Ireland. However, it was not until much later that the name gained widespread recognition and usage.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who bore the name Kellyn or its variants. One of the most famous was Saint Cillian, an Irish missionary and martyr who lived in the 7th century. He is revered as the patron saint of several Irish counties and is celebrated for his efforts in spreading Christianity throughout the region.

Another prominent figure was Cillian Murphy, an Irish actor born in 1976, known for his roles in films such as "28 Days Later," "Inception," and "Peaky Blinders." His portrayal of complex and nuanced characters has earned him critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base.

In the literary world, Cillian Ó Coileáin was an Irish poet and language revivalist who lived from 1835 to 1920. He played a significant role in the Gaelic revival movement, contributing to the preservation and promotion of the Irish language and culture.

Cillian McDaid, born in 1965, is an Irish singer-songwriter and musician who has achieved success with his folk-rock band, The Cillian McDaid Band. His music has garnered a loyal following and critical praise, particularly within the Irish music scene.

Lastly, Cillian Barry, born in 1959, is an Irish actor and director who has made appearances in various television shows and films. He is known for his work in productions like "The Tudors" and "Ripper Street," and has also directed several stage plays.

While the name Kellyn may not have a long and storied history like some other ancient names, its Irish roots and connection to the Gaelic language and culture have given it a unique character and significance. As a modern variation of the traditional Cillian, it serves as a reminder of the enduring influence of Irish heritage and the evolution of names across time and cultures.

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

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

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