Origin & Meaning of the Killian Surname
What does the last name Killian mean?
The surname Killian 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 12,717 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Killian ranks as the #2,833 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Killian come from?
The Killian 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 Killian name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Killian 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 | Killian |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of European origin |
| Origin | European |
| Language | European |
| US Rank (2010) | #2,833 |
| US Count (2010) | 12,717 |
| Per 100K People | 4.31 |
| First Letter | K |
Ethnic Distribution of Killian
According to the US Census, the Killian surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 12,717 Americans with the Killian last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 90.41% |
| Black | 4.4% |
| Hispanic | 2.25% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.54% |
| Native American | 0.64% |
| Two or More Races | 1.75% |
Popularity of Killian Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Killian surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Killian surname increased by 770 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Killian
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Killian.
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 Killian.
Frequently Asked Questions About Killian
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