Cillian
Meaning of Cillian
The name Cillian is a traditional Irish male name, pronounced as KIL-ee-an (/ˈkɪl.i.ən/) in its native tongue and often SIL-ee-an (/ˈsɪl.i.ən/) in English-speaking contexts. Rooted deeply in Irish heritage, Cillian is derived from the Gaelic "Cillín," meaning "little church" or "war strife." The name carries historical significance, often associated with St. Cillian, an Irish missionary who became a revered saint in Germany. A popular variation of the name is Killian. Over the years, Cillian has seen a steady rise in popularity in the United States, climbing from a rank of 8,866 in 1995 to 593 by 2023. This upward trend reflects a growing appreciation for names with rich cultural backgrounds and unique phonetic appeal.
Pronunciation
Irish
- Pronunced as KIL-ee-an (/ˈkɪl.i.ən/)
English
- Pronunced as SIL-ee-an (/ˈsɪl.i.ən/)
U.S. Popularity Chart
States Popularity Chart
Notable People Named Cillian
| Cillian Murphy is an Irish actor known for his roles in films like 28 Days Later, Intermission, Red Eye, The Wind That Shakes the Barley, and Sunshine, as well as his Golden Globe-nominated performance in Breakfast on Pluto. |
| Cillian Sheridan is an Irish professional footballer known for his role as a forward for Inverness Caledonian Thistle. |
| Cillian Vallely is an Irish musician known for playing traditional Irish music on the uilleann pipes and low whistle, hailing from Armagh, Northern Ireland. |
