Boy Name · Arabic Origin
Khalil
Khalil means “Friend”. It is a boy's name of Arabic origin, and it is rare in the United States today — outside the SSA top 1,000.
Origin and meaning: English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0). Popularity: US Social Security Administration.
Khalil is a boy baby name of Arabic origin, meaning "Friend". It currently sits in the Rare tier of US baby names for 2026, and parents who love Khalil often also consider Kahlil.
Khalil meaning, origin, and usage
Meaning: Friend
Origin: Arabic naming roots help connect Khalil to related Arabic baby names.
Pronunciation: Baby Name Studio pronounces Khalil as K·H·A·L·I·L, with 6 letters and a boy usage profile.
Popularity: According to Baby Name Studio's 2026 tracker, Khalil is an uncommon, standout choice in the Rare tier.
Khalil variants, nicknames, middle names, and sibling names
- Variants and spelling ideas: Khalila, Khalile, Khalily, Khali.
- Nicknames: Kha and K.
- Middle names: Pair Khalil with a middle name that balances its substantial sound; start with the Khalil middle name generator.
- Sibling names: Kahlil, Khalilah, Khalif, Khaled, Khalid — full picks on the sibling names for Khalil guide for a cohesive sibset.
- Similar names: Looking for names that sound like Khalil? Browse our names like Khalil guide for phonetic-neighbor picks.
- Explore more: use the Baby Name Explorer, name search, AI name generator, and Baby Name Studio homepage.
Frequently asked about Khalil
What does the name Khalil mean?
Khalil means "Friend" and is of Arabic origin. The meaning is recorded in English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0), and in US records Khalil is used as a boy name.
What is the origin of Khalil?
Khalil originates in Arabic naming tradition.
How do you pronounce Khalil?
Khalil has 6 letters and is most commonly stressed on the first syllable.
Is Khalil a boy's or girl's name?
Khalil is primarily used as a boy's name in US records.
How popular is Khalil in 2026?
In our 2026 popularity tracker, Khalil sits in the Rare tier — an uncommon, standout choice.
What names are similar to Khalil?
Names that share Khalil's sound and style include Kahlil, Khalilah, Khalif, Khaled, Khalid.
What middle names pair well with Khalil?
Good middle-name fits for Khalil pair an opposite syllable rhythm: if Khalil is short, lean longer (e.g. classical or three-syllable middles); if Khalil is longer, a one-syllable middle keeps the full name from feeling heavy.
What are good sibling names for Khalil?
Sibling names that pair naturally with Khalil share its rhythm without rhyming — Kahlil, Khalilah, Khalif all sit comfortably alongside it on a shortlist.