Khalil
Khalil is a boys' name of Arabic origin meaning “friend, companion, intimate.” It ranked #384 in the United States in 2025. Khalil is an Arabic name meaning 'friend' or 'intimate companion.'
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how do you pronounce Khalil?
kah-LEEL
where does the name Khalil come from?
Khalil, also spelled Khaleel, means friend; the feminine is Khalila or Khaleela.
In Islam, the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) holds the title Khalilullah, 'Friend of God.' The name was made famous in the West by Lebanese-American poet Khalil Gibran.
how popular is this name?
Khalil has appeared in the US top 1,000 in 37 years since 1989. It peaked at #251 in 1995, and ranked #384 in 2025.
See the milestone years
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2025 | #384 |
| 2024 | #392 |
| 2023 | #340 |
| 2022 | #308 |
| 2021 | #294 |
| 2020 | #274 |
| 2019 | #302 |
| 2018 | #395 |
| 2017 | #424 |
| 2016 | #444 |
| 2010 | #501 |
| 2000 | #404 |
| 1995 | #251 |
| 1990 | #851 |
| 1989 | #960 |
Source: SSA National Baby Names Dataset (through 2025). Years absent from the table are years Khalil fell outside the top 1,000.
the history of Khalil
It is a common male name across the Middle East, the Caucasus, the Balkans, North, West and East Africa, Central Asia, among Muslims in South Asia and Turkic peoples of Russia, and among African Americans. In Islam, Abraham bears the title Khalīl-ullah, Friend of God.
who are famous people named Khalil?
- Khalil Gibran (Lebanese-American poet and artist)
- Khalil Mack (American NFL player)
what are the nicknames and variants of Khalil?
Variants around the world
what names go well with Khalil?
Sibling names that share Khalil's rhythm and register without echoing it too closely.
quick answers about Khalil
What does the name Khalil mean?
Khalil means “friend, companion, intimate”.
What is the origin of the name Khalil?
Khalil comes from the Arabic naming tradition. Related forms include Khaleel.
How popular is the name Khalil?
Khalil ranked #384 in the US in 2025, according to Social Security data. Its best year was 1995, at #251, and it has spent 37 years in the top 1,000 since 1989.
Is Khalil a boy or girl name?
Khalil is primarily a boys' name.
How do you pronounce Khalil?
Khalil is pronounced kah-LEEL, with 2 syllables.
Last updated · Curated by HushName editorial
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