Origin & Meaning of the Kilian Surname
What does the last name Kilian mean?
The surname Kilian carries the meaning "Family name of European origin." It is derived from the European language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 3,065 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Kilian ranks as the #10,480 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Kilian come from?
The Kilian surname has its roots in European heritage. Names of European origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Kilian name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Kilian trace back to European. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Kilian |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of European origin |
| Origin | European |
| Language | European |
| US Rank (2010) | #10,480 |
| US Count (2010) | 3,065 |
| Per 100K People | 1.04 |
| First Letter | K |
Ethnic Distribution of Kilian
According to the US Census, the Kilian surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 3,065 Americans with the Kilian last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 93.51% |
| Black | 0.59% |
| Hispanic | 2.87% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 1.24% |
| Native American | 0.23% |
| Two or More Races | 1.57% |
Popularity of Kilian Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Kilian surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Kilian surname increased by 248 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Kilian Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Kilian ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Kilian Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Kilian Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Kilian
- ✓ The Kilian coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Kilian families live today
- ✓ Notable Kilian bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
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Similar Surnames to Kilian
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Kilian.
Other European Surnames
Explore more surnames with European roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same European origin as Kilian.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kilian
Top Surnames Starting with K
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter K, ranked by population.
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