Killan
Killan Origin and Meaning
Killan is a masculine name with Celtic and Gaelic origins, serving as a variant spelling of the more common Killian or Cillian. The name derives from the Gaelic 'cill' meaning 'church' or 'monastery,' combined with the diminutive suffix '-an,' suggesting 'little church' or possibly 'devotee of the church.' Historically associated with several Irish saints, including St. Cillian, a 7th-century Irish missionary. The variant spelling Killan emerged as names transferred across language boundaries. While less common than Killian/Cillian, Killan has seen modest usage in English-speaking countries in recent decades. The name carries a strong, distinctive sound while maintaining Celtic heritage, appealing to parents seeking names with cultural depth. Its simplified spelling makes pronunciation more intuitive for English speakers while preserving its Irish essence.