"mythical dragon-unicorn creature"
Origin: Chinese/Japanese
Language: Japanese
Kirin
Pronunciation: [ k-IHR-ihn ]
Does Kirin flow with your last name?
A mythical East Asian name of auspicious power
Japanese
Chinese
East Asian
Unique
Whimsical
Spiritual
Bold
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"giraffe"
Origin: Japanese
Language: Japanese
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The Story of Kirin
Kirin (麒麟) is a word from East Asian mythology referring to a chimerical creature sometimes called the Chinese unicorn — a dragon-lion-deer hybrid said to appear only in times of peace and prosperity, or to herald the arrival of a great leader. In Japanese, kirin also means giraffe, as the animal was identified with the mythical creature when giraffes were first brought to China. The name carries profound spiritual significance.
Kirin is used as a given name primarily in Japan and among East Asian diaspora communities globally. It also appears as a given name in Western countries among families drawn to Japanese culture and mythology. Kirin Brewery (Japan's largest beer company) takes its name from this mythical creature.
In Chinese and Japanese mythology, the kirin is one of the four sacred animals along with the dragon, phoenix, and tortoise. Its appearance was considered an omen of good fortune and the arrival of a great sage or ruler. The name carries auspicious meaning for East Asian families.
Historical Record
Kirin first appeared in US Social Security records in 1995.
Over 544 babies have been named Kirin in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Kirin is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #3,101 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- When giraffes were brought to China in 1414, they were called kirin because they resembled the mythical creature
- Kirin Holdings is Japan's largest beverage company, using the mythical creature as its symbol
Kirin in Other Languages
Korean
기린
Chinese
麒麟 (Qílín)
English
Kirin
Japanese
麒麟
Popularity Over Time
#3,101
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Kirin
K
Kirin Kiki
Actor
1943
Celebrated Japanese actress known for films by Hirokazu Kore-eda including Shoplifters
K
Kirin (mythological)
Other
The auspicious chimeric creature of East Asian mythology, said to appear only during the reign of a wise and benevolent ...
The auspicious chimeric creature of East Asian mythology, said to appear only during the reign of a wise and benevolent ruler
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #3,101
- Total SSA Count
- 39
- Cultural Origins
- Japanese Chinese East Asian
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Low
Common Nicknames
Kir
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, bold style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, bold style, 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, bold style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, unique style, extended 2-3 combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Kirin
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
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Also a Girl Name
Kirin is also used as a girl name, ranked #33972.
View Kirin as a girl name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Kirin
What does the name Kirin mean?
"mythical dragon-unicorn creature" (from Chinese/Japanese). "giraffe" (from Japanese). Kirin (麒麟) is a word from East Asian mythology referring to a chimerical creature sometimes called the Chinese unicorn — a dragon-lion-deer hybrid said to appear only in times of peace and prosperity, or to herald the arrival of a great leader. In Japanese, kirin also means giraffe, as the animal was identified with the mythical creature when giraffes were first brought to China. The name carries profound spiritual significance.
What is the origin of the name Kirin?
Kirin has Chinese/Japanese, Japanese, Chinese, and East Asian origins. In Chinese/Japanese, it means "mythical dragon-unicorn creature". In Japanese, it means "giraffe".
Is Kirin a boy or girl name?
Kirin is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #3101. As a girl name, it is ranked #33972. Kirin is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Kirin?
Kirin is pronounced k-IHR-ihn.
How popular is the name Kirin?
Kirin is currently ranked #3101 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Kirin?
Common nicknames for Kirin include Kir.
What are good middle names for Kirin?
Popular middle name pairings include Kirin James, Kirin Alexander, Kirin Thomas, Kirin Lee, Kirin Ray, Kirin David, and Kirin Michael.
What are good sibling names for Kirin?
Names that pair well with Kirin as siblings include Sora, Hana, Ryu, Yuki, Akira, Misaki, and Kenji.
How many syllables does Kirin have?
Kirin has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Kirin a common or rare name?
Kirin is an uncommon name, ranked #3101 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Kirin
Kirin is a boy name with Japanese, Chinese, and East Asian origins . The name means "mythical dragon-unicorn creature" in Chinese/Japanese .
Is Kirin a boy or girl name? Kirin is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #3,101 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #33,972. Kirin is more commonly used as a boy name.
Kirin is currently ranked #3,101 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Kirin has 2 syllables and is pronounced k-IHR-ihn, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Kirin include Kir. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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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