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

Popularity of Kylan by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Kylan is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 90% of people named Kylan being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 533 male babies and 40 female babies born with the name Kylan.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 40 baby girls were named Kylan in 2023, despite it being a predominantly male name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Kylan

The given name Kylan is believed to have its origins in the Celtic languages, particularly Irish and Scottish Gaelic. It is thought to be derived from the Gaelic words "cailean" or "cuilean," which mean "whelp" or "young dog."

In ancient Celtic culture, dogs were highly revered and often associated with loyalty, protection, and hunting prowess. As such, names related to dogs were commonly given to newborn children, perhaps as a way of bestowing these desired qualities upon them.

The earliest recorded use of the name Kylan can be traced back to medieval Ireland and Scotland, where it was primarily used as a male name. It is possible that the name was also influenced by the Old Norse name Killian, which has a similar sound and meaning.

One of the earliest known historical figures with the name Kylan was Kylan mac Ailpín, a Scottish prince who lived in the 9th century. He was the son of King Ailpín II of Dalriada and played a significant role in the consolidation of the Kingdom of Alba, which later became the Kingdom of Scotland.

Another notable bearer of the name was Kylan of Newbattle, a 12th-century Scottish monk and hagiographer who wrote the Life of St. Cuthbert, an important work chronicling the life of the revered Northumbrian monk and bishop.

In the 14th century, there was a Kylan O'Doherty, an Irish chieftain from County Donegal, who fought against the English during the Irish Bruce Wars. His name can be found in several historical records from that time period.

In the 16th century, Kylan O'Mulconry was a renowned Irish historian and poet from County Roscommon. He was a member of the prestigious O'Mulconry family, known for their expertise in genealogy and traditional Irish learning.

More recently, in the 20th century, Kylan Mickhi was a notable French artist and sculptor, best known for his abstract works and unique use of materials like metal and stone. He was born in 1924 and passed away in 2004.

While the name Kylan has its roots in ancient Celtic cultures, it has continued to be used throughout various regions and time periods, often carrying connotations of strength, loyalty, and a connection to nature and animals.

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

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

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