Cillan

little church
Irish origin · Boy name
97% boys3% girls
#1894US 2023
10Births / yr
Stable
Top 1.4%Percentile

What does Cillan mean and where does it come from?

Cillan is derived from the Irish word 'cill', meaning 'church', combined with the diminutive suffix '-an'.

Cultural significance
Cillan is a traditional Irish name, often associated with saints and historical figures in Ireland.
Peak popularity
Reached #1894 in 2015 — currently #1894 in the US.
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Related Reading
Irish-origin baby names with timeless appeal
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How else can you spell Cillan?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

What middle names flow best with Cillan?

Cillan works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Cillan Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Cillan John
One syllable · timeless choice
Cillan Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Cillan Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Cillan Beau
One syllable · on the rise
Cillan Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
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Middle Names
The best middle names for Cillan
Browse ideas →

How popular is Cillan right now?

Holding steady — currently #1894 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 20192023#1894 · Top 1.4%
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
YearUS RankBirthsvs Prior Year
2023#189410stable
2022#189410stable
2021#189410stable
2020#189410stable
2019#189410
💎Cillan is exceptionally rare — it does not appear in US Social Security records, meaning fewer than 5 babies per year have received this name.

What are good nicknames for Cillan?

Common
CilCiIllan

Famous people named Cillan

CO
Cillan O'Connor
An Irish actor known for his roles in various television series.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2025
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Common questions about the name Cillan

What does the name Cillan mean?
Cillan means "little church" — a name rooted in Irish tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Cillan?
Cillan is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Cillan?
Cillan originates from Irish tradition. Irish names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
Is Cillan a common or rare name?
Cillan is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.
Is Cillan more of a girl or boy name?
Cillan is primarily used as a boy name, giving it a clear, timeless character while remaining accessible to modern families.