How to say it
KY · li · an
ˈkɪl.i.ən
Masculine
Kylian
Little church, or war
What it means
A French-influenced spelling of the Irish Killian (Cillian), usually glossed as 'little church' and sometimes tied to a root meaning 'strife' or 'bright-headed.'
Kylian is a modern spelling of Killian, the anglicized form of the Irish Cillian. The name is most often glossed as 'little church,' from Irish cill ('church, monastic cell') plus a diminutive suffix. Some sources instead trace it to Ceallach, a name read as 'strife' or 'bright-headed.' It honors Saint Kilian, a 7th century Irish missionary and martyr who became patron saint of Würzburg. The ky- spelling is largely French, popularized by footballer Kylian Mbappé, and it carried the name into wider English-speaking use. In the US it slipped to rank 624 in 2025.
How to spell Kylian
The standard spelling is Kylian. Common variants include Killian, Cillian, Kilian, Killarney, but Kylian is the most widely used form.
Popularity over time
peaked at #346 in 2023, currently #624 in 2025.
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration, names given to at least 5 babies in a year, 1880–2025. Reviewed July 2026. See where the names are moving
Heads-up notes
- Pronunciation
Commonly KIL-ee-an, echoing Killian; the French bearer says roughly KEE-lyan.
- Pop culture
Strongly associated with French footballer Kylian Mbappé.
Who's worn it
Historical figures, characters, and public faces who share the name. The cultural surface, for whatever weight you want to give it.
- Kylian Mbappé French international footballer
Spelling variants
- Killian
- Cillian
- Kilian
- Killarney
Names with the same feeling
See Kylian from another angle
By meaning
By style
Common questions
- What does the name Kylian mean?
- A French-influenced spelling of the Irish Killian (Cillian), usually glossed as 'little church' and sometimes tied to a root meaning 'strife' or 'bright-headed.'
- What does Kylian mean in Irish?
- In Irish, Kylian means "Little church, or war." Kylian is a modern spelling of Killian, the anglicized form of the Irish Cillian. The name is most often glossed as 'little church,' from Irish cill ('church, monastic cell') plus a diminutive suffix. Some sources instead trace it to Ceallach, a name read as 'strife' or 'bright-headed.' It honors Saint Kilian, a 7th century Irish missionary and martyr who became patron saint of Würzburg. The ky- spelling is largely French, popularized by footballer Kylian Mbappé, and it carried the name into wider English-speaking use. In the US it slipped to rank 624 in 2025.
- How do you pronounce Kylian?
- Kylian is pronounced ˈkɪl.i.ən. Say it as KY-li-an, with the stress on the "ky" syllable.
- How do you spell Kylian?
- The standard spelling is Kylian. Common spelling variants include Killian, Cillian, Kilian, Killarney.
- Is Kylian a boy or girl name?
- Kylian is traditionally a masculine name.
- How popular is the name Kylian?
- Kylian ranked #624 in the U.S. in 2025, according to Social Security Administration data.