Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Kellan

The name Kellan is possibly derived from one of three sources. For one, it’s the transferred use of a Scottish surname McKellen from the Gaelic Mac Ailein meaning ‘son of Alan’ whereby the old Celtic word “alp, ail” meant ‘rock’ which can also be found in the modern Irish “ailín” meaning ‘little rock.’ Related perhaps is the Scottish Gaelic “àlainn” meaning ‘beautiful. Or the Scottish surname Mac Cailein meaning ‘son of Colin’ whereby the Gaelic “caileán” means ‘cub’ or ‘young one’. Kellen could also be an altered spelling of the Irish Gaelic name Caoilfhionn (anglicized to Keelan or Keelin) derived from the Gaelic compound “caoil” plus “fionn” meaning ‘slender and fair’. From all perspectives, Kellan is a name with Celtic roots. Kellan is a personal name used mainly in the United States for boys (although from time to time it may also be given to girls).

All About the Baby Name – Kellan

Personality

OF THE BOY NAME KELLAN

The number one personality is a leader - strong and competitive. They are willing to initiate action and take risks. One personalities work hard toward their endeavors and have the ability to apply their creative and innovative thinking skills with strong determination. They believe in their ability to succeed and are too stubborn to be hindered by obstacles. Ones meet obstacles head-on with such mental vigor and energy that you better step aside. They resent taking orders, so don't try telling them what to do either. This is an intensely active personality, but they are also known as starters rather than finishers. They have a propensity to become bored and will move quickly to the next project if not properly challenged.  They are the ones to think up and put into action new and brilliant ideas, but they are not the ones to stick around and manage them. This personality has an enthusiastic and pioneering spirit. They are distinctly original.

Popularity

OF THE BOY NAME KELLAN

There’s not much to say about the name Kellan from a historical popularity perspective. The name only first debuted on the U.S. male naming charts in 2007 and then fell off again in 2008. However, the name did return in 2009 and in the past couple of years, it’s jumped over 600 positions on the charts - a whopping achievement! What happened? A young model-turned-actor by the name of Kellan Lutz came into the spotlight after starring in the wildly popular Twilight movies. He’s the hunk who plays Emmett Cullen. Girl’s went wild for this ‘slender and handsome’ guy and they embraced his name right along. Kellan might be a fleeting fad with its pop culture influence. Real admirers of Celtic names might want to stick with Keelan or Keelin. We’re unsure if Kellan is pronounced KEL-әn, or KEE-lan. Naming choices of today are all so confusing!

Quick Facts

ON KELLAN

GENDER:

Boy

ORIGIN:

American

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

367

PRONUNCIATION:

Unsure

SIMPLE MEANING:

Rock, Young cub, or Slender and Fair

Characteristics

OF KELLAN

Independent

Individualistic

Ambitious

Strong-willed

Inventive

Successful

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Kellan

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME KELLAN

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Kellan

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME KELLAN

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Kellan


Popular Songs

ON KELLAN

We cannot find any popular or well-known songs with the name of Kellan


Famous People

NAMED KELLAN

Kellan Lutz (actor)

Children of Famous People

NAMED KELLAN

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Kellan

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME KELLAN

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Kellan