Origin & Meaning of the Killen Surname
What does the last name Killen mean?
The surname Killen 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 4,151 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Killen ranks as the #7,968 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Killen come from?
The Killen 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 Killen name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Killen 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 | Killen |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of European origin |
| Origin | European |
| Language | European |
| US Rank (2010) | #7,968 |
| US Count (2010) | 4,151 |
| Per 100K People | 1.41 |
| First Letter | K |
Ethnic Distribution of Killen
According to the US Census, the Killen surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 4,151 Americans with the Killen last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 91.04% |
| Black | 4.19% |
| Hispanic | 2.24% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.84% |
| Native American | 0.43% |
| Two or More Races | 1.25% |
Popularity of Killen Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Killen surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Killen surname increased by 425 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Killen Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Killen ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
The Complete Story of the Killen Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Killen Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Killen
- ✓ The Killen coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Killen families live today
- ✓ Notable Killen bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
🎁 A heritage keepsake to pass down — perfect as a gift.
Similar Surnames to Killen
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Killen.
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 Killen.
Frequently Asked Questions About Killen
Top Surnames Starting with K
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter K, ranked by population.
Related Searches
People searching for information about the Killen surname also look for: