"church"
Origin: Old Irish
Language: Irish
Kellin
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A Celtic saint's name with a modern rock edge
American
Irish-American
English
Modern
Strong
Playful
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Meaning & Origin
"strife, contest"
Origin: Old Irish
Language: English
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The Story of Kellin
Kellin is a variant of Kellan, which itself is an anglicized form of the Irish name Cillian (also spelled Killian), derived from the Old Irish 'ceall' meaning 'church.' Saint Killian was a 7th-century Irish missionary martyr who became the patron saint of Würzburg, Germany. The '-in' ending of Kellin gives it a lighter, more modern feel than the traditional Killian, while preserving the Celtic heritage.
Kellin gained notice through Kellin Quinn, the vocalist of the American rock band Sleeping with Sirens, whose stage name uses this spelling. The name appeals to parents who love Celtic names but want a slightly different look than the more common Killian or Kellan.
Saint Killian (650-689 AD) was an Irish monk who evangelized Franconia in Germany and became the patron saint of Würzburg. His feast day is celebrated on July 8, and the annual Kiliani-Volksfest festival in Würzburg honors his memory. The name carries both deep spiritual heritage and modern rock energy.
Historical Record
Kellin first appeared in US Social Security records in 1982.
Over 1,141 babies have been named Kellin in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Kellin is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #2,966 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Saint Killian is the patron saint of Würzburg, Germany, where the Kiliani-Volksfest festival is held in his honor each July
- Kellin Quinn of Sleeping with Sirens popularized this spelling for a generation of rock music fans
Kellin in Other Languages
Irish
Cillian
French
Killian
German
Kilian
English
Killian/Kellan
Popularity Over Time
#2,966
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Kellin
K
Kellin Quinn
Musician
1986
Vocalist of the American rock band Sleeping with Sirens, known for his distinctive high tenor voice and emo-pop style
S
Saint Killian
Religious
640
Irish missionary monk who evangelized Franconia and became the patron saint of Würzburg, Germany, martyred in 689 AD
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #2,966
- Total SSA Count
- 42
- Cultural Origins
- American Irish-American English
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Kell
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Kellin
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Kellin is also used as a girl name, ranked #57686.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Kellin
What does the name Kellin mean?
"church" (from Old Irish). "strife, contest" (from Old Irish). Kellin is a variant of Kellan, which itself is an anglicized form of the Irish name Cillian (also spelled Killian), derived from the Old Irish 'ceall' meaning 'church.' Saint Killian was a 7th-century Irish missionary martyr who became the patron saint of Würzburg, Germany. The '-in' ending of Kellin gives it a lighter, more modern feel than the traditional Killian, while preserving the Celtic heritage.
What is the origin of the name Kellin?
Kellin has Old Irish, American, Irish-American, and English origins. In Old Irish, it means "church". In Old Irish, it means "strife, contest".
Is Kellin a boy or girl name?
Kellin is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #2966. As a girl name, it is ranked #57686. Kellin is more commonly used as a boy name.
How popular is the name Kellin?
Kellin is currently ranked #2966 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Kellin?
Common nicknames for Kellin include Kell.
What are good middle names for Kellin?
Popular middle name pairings include Kellin James, Kellin Cole, Kellin Lee, Kellin Quinn, Kellin Blake, and Kellin August.
What are good sibling names for Kellin?
Names that pair well with Kellin as siblings include Declan, Finn, Rowan, Sloane, Brynn, and Cillian.
How many syllables does Kellin have?
Kellin has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Kellin a common or rare name?
Kellin is an uncommon name, ranked #2966 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What boy names are similar to Kellin?
About the Name Kellin
Kellin is a boy name with American, Irish-American, and English origins . The name means "church" in Old Irish .
Is Kellin a boy or girl name? Kellin is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #2,966 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #57,686. Kellin is more commonly used as a boy name.
Kellin is currently ranked #2,966 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Kellin has 2 syllables, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Kellin include Kell. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Kellin include Kellan, Kellen, Kelly, Keller . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis