What does Khalil mean and where does it come from?
Though predominantly a male name, Khalil can be utilized as a gender-neutral name in some contexts. This Arabic name means 'friend' or 'companion' and is often associated with warmth and fondness. The name gained attention from various notable figures, including Khalil Gibran, a famous Lebanese-Amer
Cultural significance
Khalil has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Arabic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of خليل.
Peak popularity
Reached #384 in 2025 — currently #384 in the US.
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Related Reading
Arabic-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Khalil?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Khalil?
Khalil works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Khalil Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Khalil John
One syllable · timeless choice
Khalil Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Khalil Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Khalil Beau
One syllable · on the rise
Khalil Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Khalil right now?
Rising — up 8 spots — currently #384 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #384 | 826 | ▲ up 8 · -1% births |
| 2024 | #392 | 831 | ▼ down 52 · -15% births |
| 2023 | #340 | 982 | ▼ down 32 · -10% births |
| 2022 | #308 | 1,091 | ▼ down 14 · -5% births |
| 2021 | #294 | 1,146 | ▲ up 10882 · +14225% births |
| 2020 | #11176 | 8 | ▲ up 3573 · +33% births |
| 2015 | #14749 | 6 | ▲ up 517 |
| 2010 | #15266 | 6 | ▼ down 448 |
| 2005 | #14818 | 6 | ▼ down 1310 |
| 2000 | #13508 | 6 | ▼ down 7130 · -57% births |
| 1995 | #6378 | 14 | — |
The story of Khalil
Khalil is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1979. A total of 20,274 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #6378 in 1995 to #340 in 2023. Khalil is used for both genders: 1% female and 99% male.
Names that peaked alongside Khalil in 2025:
Khalil by decade
Khalil peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1950s | 5 | |
| 1960s | 68 | |
| 1970s | 371 | |
| 1980s | 801 | |
| 1990s | 4,956 | |
| 2000s | 5,877 | |
| 2010s ★ | 6,971 | |
| 2020s | 2,882 | |
What are good nicknames for Khalil?
Common
KhaKhalKhalieKhalyAlil
Famous people named Khalil
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Khalil (Islamic scholar)
Khalil bore this name in the Golden Age of Islam, when Arabic names carried prestige across the known world.
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Khalil (Sufi mystic)
Khalil used this name in the tradition of Islamic mysticism and spirituality.
K(
Khalil (Islamic scholar)
Khalil bore this name in the Golden Age of Islam, when Arabic names carried prestige across the known world.
K(
Khalil (Quranic figure)
Khalil appears in the Quran or Hadith, giving this name deep Islamic spiritual significance.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2025
Explore →What names sound and feel like Khalil?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Khalil also consider these
How is Khalil written in other languages?
What are the girl versions of Khalil?
Common questions about the name Khalil
What does the name Khalil mean?
Khalil means "خليل" — a name rooted in Arabic 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 Khalil?
Khalil is currently ranked #340 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Khalil?
Khalil originates from Arabic tradition. Arabic names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Khalil?
Khalil is a two-syllable name pronounced KAL-ul. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Khalil more of a girl or boy name?
Khalil is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.