Killen
Killen Tartan Collection
Honour an old name of Ulster with the Killen collection — the family of the little church, a Gaelic name of Ireland's north long woven into the story of the Ulster Scots, worn with a tartan of Irish heritage.
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About the Killen Tartan
The Killen name — found also as Killeen — is an old Gaelic name of Ireland, generally traced to Ó Cillín, linked to the Irish cill, "a church," or to a diminutive of the old personal name Ceallach. It is most at home in Ulster, in the counties of the north, where Gaelic Irish and settling Scots lived side by side for centuries. As an Irish family rather than a Scottish clan, those of the Killen name may wear an Irish tartan with pride.
Whether you bear the Killen or Killeen name, descend from Ulster, or simply wish to honour Irish heritage, this collection brings a fitting tartan into wearable apparel, everyday accessories, home decor and meaningful heritage gifts.
Killen Tartan Colours
The collection draws on the rich greens of Ireland crossed with fine lines of gold and white — the green of the northern glens and drumlins where the Killens made their home, a fresh, proud palette for an old Gaelic name of Ulster.
Who Is This Collection For?
The Killen collection is a meaningful choice for the Killen and Killeen family, descendants of Ulster and the north of Ireland, families of the Ulster-Scots tradition, and anyone drawn to an old Gaelic name.
- Killen & Killeen family
- Ulster & Irish roots
- Ulster-Scots heritage
- Family gatherings
- St Patrick's Day & celebrations
- Everyday tartan style
Killen Family Heritage
The name springs from the Gaelic cill, "a church" — the word that begins so many Irish place names — and from the old personal name Ceallach, borne by early Irish saints. Families of the name flourished in the north of Ireland, in Antrim, Down and the neighbouring counties, through the long centuries of Gaelic Ulster and the later plantations.
In Ulster the Killens lived amid the meeting of two peoples, Gaelic Irish and Lowland Scot, and many of the name joined the great Ulster emigrations to America and beyond, carrying it across the world. Among its distinguished bearers was the Reverend W. D. Killen of Belfast, the noted church historian. The name endures in the north of Ireland to this day, an old Gaelic name of the church and the glen.
Killen Tartan FAQ
Quick answers about the Killen name, the tartan its members wear, and why Killen products make meaningful heritage gifts.
Is Killen a Scottish or an Irish name?
Killen is an Irish name, most at home in Ulster; as an Irish family, those of the name may wear an Irish national or county tartan.
What does the name Killen mean?
It is generally traced to Ó Cillín, linked to the Irish cill, "a church," or to a diminutive of the old personal name Ceallach.
Is Killen the same as Killeen?
Yes — Killen and Killeen are forms of the same Gaelic name, with Killen the usual spelling in Ulster.
Is Killen related to Kelly?
The two names share Gaelic roots — both are linked to the personal name Ceallach and the word for church — though they are distinct family names.
Who can wear the Killen tartan?
Anyone of the Killen or Killeen name, or of Irish descent, may wear an Irish tartan.
Is Killen tartan a good gift?
Yes. Killen products make a meaningful gift for the family and for those celebrating their Irish heritage.
Celebrate the Killen Name with Pride
Discover Irish tartan apparel, accessories and gifts for the Killen family — honouring Ulster, the little church of the glens and an old Gaelic name.
View Killen Tartan Products