Kellan

Updated: October 25, 2023 by Olivia Mittak

Kellan, originally spelled Kellen, is an Irish name that still has that Gaelic feel to it. The name is known for actor Kellan Lutz who appears on “Twilight”. Though the name has spent time on the top 400 list in America, it is now in the bottom of the top 1,000.

Meaning and Origin of the Name Kellan:

Kellan is the English version of the baby name Caolan, and it was originally spelled Kellen. This original name came from the Irish word “caol”. The name was created by adding the suffix “an” to it. The name means “swamp, slender”.

Symbolism of the Name Kellan:

The baby name Kellan means “slender” due to the root Gaelic word it comes from. That word is “coal” which also translates to “slender”.

Nicknames for the Name Kellan:

Kellan is still a great pick for a child, despite falling in popularity in recent years. Take a look at our list of nicknames for Kellan, and pick your favorite:

Kell
Key
Kelli
Kelly
Kellie
Kels
Lan
Lannie
Lennie
Kells
Kello
Ell
Ellie
Ells
Elan

Style of the Name Kellan:

Traditional

Gender of the Name Kellan:

Kellan is a traditional boy's name.

Pronunciation of the Name Kellan:

KEHL-en

Number of Syllables in the Name Kellan:

Two

Emotion Evoked From the Name Kellan:

Kellan feels young, informal, and humble. It still has a very Irish sound, despite being an anglicized name.

Alternative Spellings for the Name Kellan:

Kellen
Kallen
Kellin
Kellyn

Popularity of the Name Kellan:

Kellan became a top 1,000 name in America in 2007 at rank 883. It did not appear on the list in 2008, but came back in 2009 at rank 622. From 2010 to 2015, the name was a top 400 option. As of 2022, however, Kellan is rank 851.