Cillian is a distinctive boys' name in England & Wales, ranking #1084 in 2006 with 20 recorded births. This places Cillian in the top 21% of ranked UK boys' names for the year. Its actual usage is classified as Rare. The name reached its all-time peak in 2024 with 285 births ranking #177. Since 1996, the popularity has increased by 66.7%. In 2006, approximately 1 in every 16,017 boys born was named Cillian. STABLE Recent data shows the name is currently stable.
Cillian is a well-loved Irish name with a soft, distinctive sound. It is often explained through church-related Gaelic roots, though exact older interpretations vary a little.
The name is familiar in Ireland through saints and tradition and has become far more visible internationally in recent years. Modern recognition has also grown through public figures such as Cillian Murphy.