Surname Kiljan - Meaning and Origin
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Kiljan: What does the surname Kiljan mean?
The surname Kiljan is believed to have derived from a Slovene name with roots in the village of Kiljan. This village is close to the Adriatic Sea in Slovenia and was established as early as the 16th century. The name Kiljan likely originated from an ancient Slavic noun; however, its exact meaning is unclear and remains a source of debate.
The Kiljan family has been associated with several areas throughout Europe. In some cases, the name Kiljan has been linked to areas in central Europe such as Croatia and Slovenia; other instances indicate that the name has spread as far as Scandinavia. It is also possible that the Kiljan surname is derived from the ancient Indo-European language of Latin.
The Kiljan family is considered to be of a noble class in Europe, mostly thanks to their strong ties to Eastern Europe. As such, members of the family have held various important titles and positions of power in Slovenia over the centuries, such as barons and mayors.
The surname Kiljan has come to be embraced and passed down through many generations. It evidently stems from noble heritage, with a long lineage reaching back hundreds of years. It symbolizes an undeniable connection to the land and its people, serving as a testament to the strength and resiliency of the Kiljan family.
Order DNA origin analysisKiljan: Where does the name Kiljan come from?
The last name Kiljan is an Old Norse surname, derived from the personal name of Kiljanson. It is believed to have originated in Norway during the 8th century. Today, the last name Kiljan is present throughout Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Denmark. It is also commonly found in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand.
Within the United States, new name data from the U.S. Census Bureau suggests that the last name Kiljan is most concentrated in the states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. In Minnesota, Kiljan is generally found in three specific areas: the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area, the western section near the North Dakota border, and more rural areas in the northern and central parts. In Wisconsin, Kiljan is most commonly found in and around the Milwaukee area, as well as near Lake Superior. In Pennsylvania, the name is somewhat dispersed throughout the state, with some concentration in the Philadelphia area.
Considering the Census Bureau's data, the last name Kiljan appears to be concentrated in the northern United States. According to World Names Public Profiler, the surname is still commonly used in Norway and Sweden, however, its distribution in other countries around the world is highly scattered.
Variations of the surname Kiljan
The surname Kiljan is a Lithuanian surname, derived from the Lithuanian verb "kelieti" meaning "to raise up". Variants of the surname Kiljan include Kilian, Kilion, Killian, Killion, and Kiljon.
Spellings of the surname Kiljan typically include Kilian, Killion, Killian, and Kiljon. Sometimes the surname is seen spelled with two ‘l’s instead of one, such as as Kellion or Killion.
Surnames of the same origin as the Kiljan surname include Kelion, Kilijon, Killian, Killin, Killion, Killon, and Killyon.
Kelion is the most common variant of the Kiljan surname. It is seen in Lithuania, Hungary, and Romania. It is derived from the Lithuanian verb “kelieti“ meaning "to raise up."
Kilijon is a variant of the Kiljan surname seen in Lithuania. It is derived from the Lithuanian verb “kelieti“ meaning "to raise up."
Killian is a variant of the Kiljan surname seen in Scotland, Ireland, England, and Germany. It is derived from the Irish Gaelic "cill" or “ceall” meaning "church". Killian was often used as a first name and with time, was adapted as a surname.
Killin is a variant of the Kiljan surname seen mainly in Ireland, Scotland, and England. It is a derivative of the Irish Gaelic "cill" or “ceall” meaning "church". It was popularized as a surname by Killin Clan in Scotland.
Killion is a variant of the Kiljan surname seen mainly in the United States and Scotland. It is a derivative of the Irish Gaelic "cill" or “ceall” meaning "church".
Killon is a variant of the Kiljan surname seen primarily in Ireland, Scotland, and England. It is derived from the Irish Gaelic "cill" or “ceall” meaning "church".
Killyon is a variant of the Kiljan surname seen mainly in Ireland, Scotland, and England. It is derived from the Irish Gaelic "cill" or “ceall” meaning "church".
Famous people with the name Kiljan
- Matthew Kiljan: an American actor and musician who has appeared in numerous television shows such as Law & Order and Glee.
- Daniel Kiljan: a Hungarian soccer player who is a forward for the Hungary National Team and the Debrecen team.
- Richard Kiljan: an Australian playwright, producer, and teacher who has played in many shows, films, and television programs.
- Eva Kiljan: a Slovak architect and urban planner who has become popular in the Central European countries.
- Larry Kiljan: an American entrepreneur and investor who has worked with Fortune 500 companies and world-renowned technology companies.
- Bob Kiljan: a former Canadian ice hockey player who played for the Toronto Maple Leafs in the National Hockey League.
- James Kiljan: a British painter and author who is well-known for his landscapes and nautical scenes.
- Peter Kiljan: a former United States Senator who represented the state of Delaware in the early 1900s.
- Chris Kiljan: a Canadian sprint athlete and Olympian who has won multiple gold medals in sprinting events.
- Lori Kiljan: an American volleyball coach and motivational speaker who has contributed to the success of numerous volleyball teams.