Cillian

How to say it

ˈkɪl.i.ən

What it means

An Irish name often read as 'little church' or tied to a root for 'strife.'

Cillian is an Irish name usually traced to cill, 'church' or 'monk's cell,' so 'little church,' though some link it to a word for 'strife.' Saint Cillian was a 7th-century Irish missionary. The C-spelling is the Irish original of Killian, made famous by actor Cillian Murphy. Said KIL-ee-un.

How to spell Cillian

The standard spelling is Cillian. Common variants include Killian, Cillín, Kilian, but Cillian is the most widely used form.

Heads-up notes

• Spelling

  The Irish spelling of Killian.

• Pop culture

  Actor Cillian Murphy.

Who's worn it

• Cillian Murphy Irish actor known for Oppenheimer and Peaky Blinders

Spelling variants

• Killian
• Cillín
• Kilian

Names with the same feeling

• Killian Little church, or strife
• Declan Full of goodness
• Ronan Little seal
• Finn Fair, white
• Callum Dove

See Cillian from another angle

Common questions

What does the name Cillian mean?

An Irish name often read as 'little church' or tied to a root for 'strife.'

What does Cillian mean in Irish?

In Irish, Cillian means "Little church; strife." Cillian is an Irish name usually traced to cill, 'church' or 'monk's cell,' so 'little church,' though some link it to a word for 'strife.' Saint Cillian was a 7th-century Irish missionary. The C-spelling is the Irish original of Killian, made famous by actor Cillian Murphy. Said KIL-ee-un.

How do you pronounce Cillian?

Cillian is pronounced ˈkɪl.i.ən. Say it as CIL-li-an, with the stress on the "cil" syllable.

How do you spell Cillian?

The standard spelling is Cillian. Common spelling variants include Killian, Cillín, Kilian.

Is Cillian a boy or girl name?

Cillian is traditionally a masculine name.

How popular is the name Cillian?

Cillian ranked #507 in the U.S. in 2025, according to Social Security Administration data.