Kylin

An uncommon Chinese pick — distinctive and rare.

Boy's name| Also girlsChineseRising fast
#1511 103in 2024

Meaning & Origin

Alternative form of qilin.

Kylin is a boy's and girl's baby name of Chinese origin, an anglicization of qilin (麒麟), the mythical Chinese chimera — a magnificent creature with dragon's scales, deer's hooves, and ox's tail — symbolizing 'good luck' and the arrival of a great leader or sage. The qilin appeared only at the birth of extraordinary people.

Kylin carries the full weight of Chinese mythology's most auspicious creature. For families with East Asian heritage, it's a name that announces cosmic significance for the child bearing it. For others, it's an intriguing mythological name from one of the world's oldest civilizations.

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Popularity Over Time

Kylin climbed 1079 spots in the last 20 years — from #2590 to #1511.

0377511214920002024

Popularity by Decade

Decade-by-decade popularity data for Kylin
DecadeBirthsTrend
2020s626
2010s786
2000s444
1990s125
1980s16

Year-by-Year Data

View complete yearly data(37 years, 19872024)
Year-by-year popularity data for the name Kylin
YearBirthsRank
2024118#1511
2023130#1408
2022149#1286
2021123#1465
2020106#1558
2019115#1488
201872#2021
201780#1851
201678#1896
201578#1882
201483#1808
201379#1821
201264#2120
201159#2221
201078#1862
200964#2132
200842#2859
200747#2628
200642#2772
200534#3060

Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.

Kylin as a Girl's Name

Though more common for boys, Kylin has a notable history as a girl's name too, with 1,324 births since 1987.

#3917
Current rank
1,324
Total births
2011
Peak year
Compare Kylin as boy vs girl

Frequently Asked

Can Kylin be used for both boys and girls?
Yes, Kylin is used for both boys and girls. As a boy's name, it currently ranks #1511. As a girl's name, it ranks #3917.

Last updated May 2026 · Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (19872024) · Methodology