Find out how popular the first name Khalil has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Khalil by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Khalil is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 99% of people named Khalil being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 979 male babies and 5 female babies born with the name Khalil.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 5 baby girls were named Khalil in 2023, despite it being a predominantly male name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Khalil

The name Khalil has its origins in the Arabic language. It is derived from the root word "khalal," which means "friend" or "beloved." The name can be traced back to the 7th century CE, during the early days of Islam.

Khalil is a name that holds great significance in Islamic tradition. In the Quran, one of the most revered figures is the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), who is referred to as "Khalil Allah," meaning "the friend of God." This honorific title highlights the close relationship between Ibrahim and God, and it is believed to be the origin of the name Khalil.

The earliest recorded use of the name Khalil can be found in various Islamic texts and historical records from the Middle Ages. One notable figure who bore this name was Khalil ibn Ahmad al-Farahidi, a renowned Arab philologist and lexicographer who lived in the 8th century CE. He is remembered for his contributions to the study of the Arabic language and his compilation of the first Arabic dictionary.

Throughout history, several other notable individuals have carried the name Khalil. These include Khalil Gibran, a Lebanese-American writer, poet, and artist, who lived from 1883 to 1931. His best-known work, "The Prophet," is a collection of poetic essays that explore various themes of life and spirituality.

Another famous bearer of the name was Khalil al-Wazir, also known as Abu Jihad, a Palestinian political leader and co-founder of the Fatah movement. He played a significant role in the Palestinian liberation struggle and served as a close aide to Yasser Arafat until his assassination in 1988.

In the realm of sports, Khalil Mack, an American football player born in 1991, has made a name for himself as a defensive end and outside linebacker in the National Football League (NFL). He has been selected to multiple Pro Bowls and was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2016.

Khalil Gibran, the Lebanese-American writer and poet (1883-1931), is perhaps one of the most renowned individuals to bear this name. His works, such as "The Prophet" and "The Madman," have had a profound impact on literature and philosophical thought, resonating with readers across cultures and generations.

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

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

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