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Kailan

Boy name · 6 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Kailan: 6 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to boys, peaking at 6 births in 2013.

Kailan is a name with multiple possible origins, most commonly viewed as a modern variant of Kayla or a feminine form of Kaelan, which itself draws from the Irish and Scottish Gaelic *Caolán*, meaning "slender" or "fair." It also echoes the Chinese vegetable *kailan* (a type of broccoli), though this connection is more coincidental than etymological. The name gained some visibility through Kailan, a British television presenter and actress known for children’s programming, though it remains relatively rare. As a place connection, the root *caol* appears in Scottish place names like Caolas, meaning "strait" or "narrows." A notable variant is the more established Kaylan, which shares the same melodic, contemporary feel. In Scotland, Kailan has seen occasional use since the 1990s, often chosen for its soft, lyrical sound and cross-cultural appeal.