Cahlil is a unique and distinctive name of Arabic origin. It is derived from the Arabic word "khali," which means "first" or "initial." The name Cahlil is often associated with the concept of beginning, starting point, or foundation.
The name gained prominence through the works of Kahli Gibran, a Lebanese-American artist, poet, and philosopher who was born in 1883. Gibran's full name was Kahlil Gibran Jibran Khalil Gibran, but he is more commonly known by his middle name, Cahlil. He is renowned for his poetic prose works, including "The Prophet," which has been translated into over forty languages and remains a popular classic to this day.
Cahlil's popularity as a given name can be attributed to Gibran's literary fame. Parents may choose this name for their children in honor of the author's artistic and philosophical contributions or simply because they appreciate its unique sound and spelling. While Cahlil is not a particularly common name, it is often recognized by those familiar with Gibran's works.
In terms of history, there are no significant historical figures or events associated with the name Cahlil beyond Kahli Gibran himself. However, the name has been used in various cultures throughout history and continues to be chosen by parents today who appreciate its distinctive sound and cultural significance.
The name Cahlil has been given to babies of both sexes in the United States since at least 1995, with a total of 224 births reported between that year and 2023.
The popularity of the name has varied over time. In some years, such as 1995 and 2002-2004, only a few babies were given this name each year, with as few as 5 births recorded in certain years. However, since around 2007, there has been an upward trend in the number of babies named Cahlil.
In recent years, the popularity of the name has been steadily increasing, with over 10 births reported annually from 2007 onwards, and reaching a peak of 15 births in both 2015 and 2021. It's interesting to note that there were also 12 births recorded in each of the past two years (2022 and 2023), showing that Cahlil remains a popular choice for parents naming their babies.
Overall, while it may not be one of the most common names given to babies in the United States, Cahlil has nevertheless been consistently used since at least the mid-1990s. Its popularity seems to have grown over time, with a significant increase in usage observed from around 2007 onwards.