What does Cillian mean and where does it come from?
Cillian is an Irish name derived from the old Irish name 'Cillín', which is a diminutive of 'Cill', meaning 'church'. It is notably popular in Ireland and has seen a resurgence in recent years, particularly due to notable figures such as actor Cillian Murphy. The name's roots date back to early medi
Cultural significance
Cillian has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Ireland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of warrior.
Peak popularity
Reached #966 in 2020 — currently #594 in the US.
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Related Reading
Ireland-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Cillian?
Cillian works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Cillian Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Cillian Rose
Floral · soft ending
Cillian Mae
Sweet · timeless
Cillian Claire
French influence · crisp
Cillian Jane
Literary · strong
Cillian Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Cillian right now?
Rising fast — up 143 spots — currently #594 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #594 | 476 | ▲ up 143 · +35% births |
| 2022 | #737 | 352 | ▲ up 12 · +4% births |
| 2021 | #749 | 340 | ▲ up 217 · +52% births |
| 2020 | #966 | 223 | ▲ up 456 · +84% births |
| 2015 | #1422 | 121 | ▲ up 947 · +124% births |
| 2010 | #2369 | 54 | ▲ up 5117 · +440% births |
| 2005 | #7486 | 10 | ▲ up 2585 · +100% births |
| 1995 | #10071 | 5 | — |
The story of Cillian
Cillian is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1995. With 1,643 total births recorded, Cillian remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #10071 in 1995 to #594 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Cillian in 2020:
Cillian by decade
Cillian peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1990s | 10 | |
| 2000s | 208 | |
| 2010s ★ | 1,202 | |
| 2020s | 223 | |
💎With 1,643 total births, Cillian is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Cillian?
What names sound and feel like Cillian?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Cillian also consider these
How is Cillian written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Cillian
What does the name Cillian mean?
Cillian means "warrior" — a name rooted in Ireland 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 Cillian?
Cillian is currently ranked #594 as a boy name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Cillian have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Cillian?
Cillian originates from Ireland tradition. Ireland names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
Is Cillian trending right now?
Cillian is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.
What are good nicknames for Cillian?
Cillian naturally lends itself to affectionate nicknames. Shortened versions based on the first syllable are most popular, and many parents also create unique pet names that feel personal to their family.