Kili

“A mountain”

Tanzania origin · Unisex name

♂ 9% boys♀ 91% girls

#1377US 2023

823Births / yr

→Stable

128All-time births

📅 Since 197700

What does Kili mean and where does it come from?

Kili is a name found in various cultures, one of which includes its roots in Swahili, translating to 'a mountain', often referencing Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. In New Zealand, specifically among Māori people, Kili can signify 'the sound of a bell.' It is a name that conveys a sense of beauty and

Cultural significance

Kili has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Tanzania-speaking communities, where it reflects values of a mountain.

Peak popularity

Reached #9501 in 2006 — currently #1377 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Kili?

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

Kili Grace

How popular is Kili right now?

Holding steady — currently #1377 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1990–2023#1377 · Top 1.0%

1990

2000

2010

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1377	823	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2022	#1382	803	▲ up 5 · +4% births
2021	#1387	773	▲ up 12474 · +10943% births
2010	#13861	7	▼ down 1563
2000	#12298	7	▲ up 1713 · +40% births
1990	#14011	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Kili

Best Year2023Rank #1377

Peak Count823

Average Rank#7386

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1990 - 20236 years

The story of Kili

Kili is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1977. With 128 total births recorded, Kili remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #14011 in 1990 to #1377 in 2023. Kili is used for both genders: 91% female and 9% male.

Names that peaked alongside Kili in 2006:

Emily Emma Madison Isabella Ava

Kili by decade

Kili peaked in the 2000s. See all 2000s names →

Decade	Births
1970s	5
1990s	35
2000s ★	50
2010s	38

💎Kili has only 128 total recorded births since 1977 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Kili?

Common

KilKilieKily

What names sound and feel like Kili?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Kili also consider these

Arabic · A Arabic name

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Mili

India · Hindi

Common questions about the name Kili

What does the name Kili mean?

Kili means "A mountain" — a name rooted in Tanzania 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 Kili?

Kili 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 Kili?

Kili originates from Tanzania tradition. Tanzania names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

Is Kili a common or rare name?

Kili is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.

Is Kili more of a girl or boy name?

Kili is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.