Kieran Name Meaning

Helen Doanna

By Helen Doanna

Lastest Updated July 9, 2024
Home » Baby Names » Kieran Name Meaning

Fact: As a variation of the name Ciarán, this Irish name dates back all the way to 1500 years ago, even held by the popular Christian Bishop Saint Ciarán of Clonmacnoise.

Continue Reading…
A Deep Dive

Kieran Overview

Meaning

Little dark one, black-haired

Gender

Boy

Origin

Irish

Etymology

Derived from the Old Irish name “Ciarán,” meaning “little dark one”​.

Religion

Christianity

Pronunciation

/ˈkɪərən/

Popularity

Kieran is a well-loved name in Ireland and England, and it’s gaining traction in the United States. In 2023, Kieran ranked #476 for boys in the USA.

Syllable

2 syllables

Length

6 letters

Numerology

4 (Orderly, Steady, Service-oriented)

Name Styles

Exotic, Cute, Cool

Associated Traits

Strong, wise, refined, complex

Spiritual, Religious, or Cultural Significance

Associated with multiple saints, including Saint Ciarán of Clonmacnoise, who played a significant role in early Irish Christianity.

Name Day

March 3rd, March 5 (Ireland)
A Deep Dive

Kieran Variations in Different Cultures

Popular Variations

Ciarán, Keiran, Kieren, Kieron, Kyran, Kiaran, Kiernan, Ciaron, Ciaran, Keiren

Common Nicknames

Kier, Ren, K, Kiki, Kie, Kie-Kie, Key, Kee, Keero, K-Ran

Diminutives

Kie, Ren, Kier, Kiki

Famous People

  • Kieran Culkin
    (American Actor)
  • Kieran Trippier
    (English Soccer Player)
  • Kieran Hebden
    (British Music Producer)
  • Kieran Gibbs
    (English Soccer Player)
  • Kieran Read
    (New Zealand Rugby Player)

Pop Culture Icons and Works

  • Kieran Walker
    ("In the Flesh," TV Series)
  • Kieran Wilcox
    ("Scream," TV Series)

What Is the Meaning of Kieran?

Kieran means “little dark one” or “black-haired.” This name conveys a sense of mystery and depth, often suiting someone with a thoughtful and introspective nature.

What Is the Origin of The Name Kieran?

The name Kieran has its roots in the Irish language, deriving from the Gaelic name “Ciarán.”

Kieran Name Popularity

Popularity Chart of the Name Kieran in the U.S. over the Years

United States flagUnited States#4922021#4902022#4762023
Top 3 Rankings#4742011#4762023#4902022

Annual Statistics Breakdown for Kieran

YearName RankingNumber of BirthsBirth Rate (%)
2023476
(+14 from 2022)
634
(+16 from 2022)
0.03462
2022490
(+2 from 2021)
618
(+20 from 2021)
0.03300
2021492
(+22 from 2020)
598
(+42 from 2020)
0.03192
2020514
(-21 from 2019)
556
(-25 from 2019)
0.03006
2019493
(+5 from 2018)
581
(+4 from 2018)
0.03023
2018498
(+14 from 2017)
577
(+10 from 2017)
0.02968
2017512
(+27 from 2016)
567
(+28 from 2016)
0.02865
2016539
(-28 from 2015)
539
(-21 from 2015)
0.02661
2015511
(+64 from 2014)
560
(+77 from 2014)
0.02739
2014575
(-18 from 2013)
483
(+12 from 2013)
0.02357
2013557
(-3 from 2012)
471
(+1 from 2012)
0.02331
2012554
(-80 from 2011)
470
(-92 from 2011)
0.02316
2011474
(+66 from 2010)
562
(+93 from 2010)
0.02767
2010540
(-31 from 2009)
469
(-59 from 2009)
0.02283
2009509
(+23 from 2008)
528
(+26 from 2008)
0.02489
2008532
(+39 from 2007)
502
(+52 from 2007)
0.02302
2007571
(-9 from 2006)
450
(+5 from 2006)
0.02032
2006562
(+9 from 2005)
445
(+37 from 2005)
0.02030
2005571
(-27 from 2004)
408
(-17 from 2004)
0.01918
2004544
(-7 from 2003)
425
(-4 from 2003)
0.02011
2003537
(+17 from 2002)
429
(+30 from 2002)
0.02042
2002554
(-21 from 2001)
399
(-11 from 2001)
0.01931
2001533
(-5 from 2000)
410
(-6 from 2000)
0.01982
2000528
(+68 from 1999)
416
(+97 from 1999)
0.01992
1999596
(+29 from 1998)
319
(+27 from 1998)
0.01564
1998625
(+16 from 1997)
292
(+33 from 1997)
0.01440
1997641
(-18 from 1996)
259
(-19 from 1996)
0.01296
1996623
(+15 from 1995)
278
(+13 from 1995)
0.01387
1995638
(+42 from 1994)
265
(+32 from 1994)
0.01318
1994680
(+74 from 1993)
233
(+41 from 1993)
0.01143
1993754
(+207 from 1992)
192
(+67 from 1992)
0.00930
1992961
(+94 from 1991)
125
(+20 from 1991)
0.00595
19911055
(-42 from 1990)
105
(-4 from 1990)
0.00495
19901013
(+141 from 1989)
109
(+25 from 1989)
0.00506
19891154
(+132 from 1988)
84
(+20 from 1988)
0.00401
19881286
(-27 from 1987)
64
(+4 from 1987)
0.00320
19871259
(-43 from 1986)
60
(-2 from 1986)
0.00308
19861216
(-58 from 1985)
62
(-3 from 1985)
0.00323
19851158
(-125 from 1984)
65
(-9 from 1984)
0.00338
19841033
(+294 from 1983)
74
(+25 from 1983)
0.00394
19831327
(-117 from 1982)
49
(-10 from 1982)
0.00263
19821210
(+99 from 1981)
59
(+9 from 1981)
0.00313
19811309
(+140 from 1980)
50
(+7 from 1980)
0.00268
19801449
(-145 from 1979)
43
(-7 from 1979)
0.00232
19791304
(+22 from 1978)
50
(+3 from 1978)
0.00279
19781326
(+64 from 1977)
47
(+4 from 1977)
0.00275
19771390
(+151 from 1976)
43
(+8 from 1976)
0.00252
19761541
(-196 from 1975)
35
(-7 from 1975)
0.00214
19751345
(+94 from 1974)
42
(+6 from 1974)
0.00259
19741439
(-110 from 1973)
36
(-3 from 1973)
0.00221
19731329
(+351 from 1972)
39
(+12 from 1972)
0.00242
19721680
(-554 from 1971)
27
(-26 from 1971)
0.00161
19711126
(+127 from 1970)
53
(+9 from 1970)
0.00292
19701253
(+185 from 1969)
44
(+13 from 1969)
0.00231
19691438
(-156 from 1968)
31
(-4 from 1968)
0.00169
19681282
(-132 from 1967)
35
(-7 from 1967)
0.00197
19671150
(+44 from 1966)
42
(+3 from 1966)
0.00236
19661194
(-100 from 1965)
39
(-7 from 1965)
0.00215
19651094
(+141 from 1964)
46
(+7 from 1964)
0.00243
19641235
(+118 from 1963)
39
(+6 from 1963)
0.00192
19631353
(+13 from 1962)
33
No change from 1962
0.00160
19621366
(-103 from 1961)
33
(-6 from 1961)
0.00157
19611263
(+32 from 1960)
39
(+2 from 1960)
0.00181
19601295
(+91 from 1959)
37
(+5 from 1959)
0.00171
19591386
(-65 from 1958)
32
(-2 from 1958)
0.00148
19581321
(+167 from 1957)
34
(+6 from 1957)
0.00158
19571488
(+188 from 1956)
28
(+6 from 1956)
0.00128
19561676
(-173 from 1955)
22
(-4 from 1955)
0.00103
19551503
(+811 from 1954)
26
(+14 from 1954)
0.00124
19542314
(-605 from 1953)
12
(-8 from 1953)
0.00058
19531709
(+95 from 1952)
20
(+2 from 1952)
0.00100
19521804
(+442 from 1951)
18
(+6 from 1951)
0.00091
19512246
(-500 from 1950)
12
(-6 from 1950)
0.00063
19501746
(+860 from 1949)
18
(+9 from 1949)
0.00099
19492606
(-279 from 1948)
9
(-2 from 1948)
0.00050
19482327
(-76 from 1947)
11
(-1 from 1947)
0.00062
19472251
(-367 from 1946)
12
(-3 from 1946)
0.00065
19461884
(+1454 from 1945)
15
(+10 from 1945)
0.00091
19453338
(-1029 from 1944)
5
(-5 from 1944)
0.00036
19442309
(+631 from 1942)
10
(+3 from 1942)
0.00072
19430
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19422940
(+565 from 1941)
7
(+2 from 1941)
0.00050
19413505
(-634 from 1940)
5
(-2 from 1940)
0.00040
19402871
(-42 from 1939)
7
No change from 1939
0.00059
19392829
(-183 from 1938)
7
(-1 from 1938)
0.00062
19382646
(+903 from 1936)
8
(+3 from 1936)
0.00070
19370
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19363549
(+96 from 1935)
5
No change from 1935
0.00047
19353645
(-1080 from 1934)
5
(-4 from 1934)
0.00047
19342565
(+1211 from 1932)
9
(+4 from 1932)
0.00085
19330
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19323776
(-1125 from 1931)
5
(-4 from 1931)
0.00047
19312651
(+329 from 1929)
9
(+1 from 1929)
0.00084
19300
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19292980
(+1171 from 1928)
8
(+3 from 1928)
0.00072
19284151
(-766 from 1926)
5
(-2 from 1926)
0.00044
19270
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19263385
(+962 from 1924)
7
(+2 from 1924)
0.00061
19250
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19244347
(-108 from 1923)
5
No change from 1923
0.00043
19234239
(-1025 from 1921)
5
(-3 from 1921)
0.00044
19220
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19213214
(-118 from 1918)
8
No change from 1918
0.00070
19200
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19190
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19183096
First SSA data recorded
8
First SSA data recorded
0.00076
19170
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19160
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19150
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19140
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19130
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19120
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19110
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19100
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19090
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19080
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19070
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19060
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19050
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19040
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19030
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19020
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19010
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19000
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18990
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18980
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18970
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18960
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18950
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18940
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18930
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18920
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18910
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18900
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18890
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18880
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18870
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18860
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18850
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18840
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18830
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18820
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18810
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18800
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000

American States Popularity Rankings for Kieran

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Number of Births )

New York (NY)

New York (NY) flagNew York (NY)#3312021#3602022#3692023

California (CA)

California (CA) flagCalifornia (CA)#5162021#5222022#4672023

Pennsylvania (PA)

Pennsylvania (PA) flagPennsylvania (PA)#2762021#3112022#2252023

New Jersey (NJ)

New Jersey (NJ) flagNew Jersey (NJ)#3322021#3352022#2922023

Texas (TX)

Texas (TX) flagTexas (TX)#7992021#8722022#8672023

Minnesota (MN)

Minnesota (MN) flagMinnesota (MN)#3662021#2722022#2662023

Illinois (IL)

Illinois (IL) flagIllinois (IL)#5722021#4912022#4442023

Florida (FL)

Florida (FL) flagFlorida (FL)#9012021#6712022#6992023

Washington (WA)

Washington (WA) flagWashington (WA)#3292021#3932022#3162023

Massachusetts (MA)

Massachusetts (MA) flagMassachusetts (MA)#3022021#2722022#3182023

Virginia (VA)

Virginia (VA) flagVirginia (VA)#4082021#2842022#3582023

Ohio (OH)

Ohio (OH) flagOhio (OH)#5422021#4592022#4702023

Colorado (CO)

Colorado (CO) flagColorado (CO)#3782021#3562022#2952023

North Carolina (NC)

North Carolina (NC) flagNorth Carolina (NC)#4922021#6762022#7372023

Maryland (MD)

Maryland (MD) flagMaryland (MD)#4392021#3372022#3132023

Georgia (GA)

Georgia (GA) flagGeorgia (GA)#8032021#6682022#10372023

Wisconsin (WI)

Wisconsin (WI) flagWisconsin (WI)#3892021#4492022#5022023

Connecticut (CT)

Connecticut (CT) flagConnecticut (CT)#3502021#2542022#2602023

Oregon (OR)

Oregon (OR) flagOregon (OR)#3992021#3552022#2712023

Michigan (MI)

Michigan (MI) flagMichigan (MI)#8592021#4482022#6722023

Arizona (AZ)

Arizona (AZ) flagArizona (AZ)#7172021#6582022#7072023

Missouri (MO)

Missouri (MO) flagMissouri (MO)#4872021#5132022#4572023

Indiana (IN)

Indiana (IN) flagIndiana (IN)#5292021#5842022#7462023

Tennessee (TN)

Tennessee (TN) flagTennessee (TN)#4702021#9712022#9772023

Kentucky (KY)

Kentucky (KY) flagKentucky (KY)#4102020#5142021#4352022

Kansas (KS)

Kansas (KS) flagKansas (KS)#3992021#5352022#4462023

Iowa (IA)

Iowa (IA) flagIowa (IA)#6082019#6172021#3962023

Utah (UT)

Utah (UT) flagUtah (UT)#5162018#6422020#5852022

Louisiana (LA)

Louisiana (LA) flagLouisiana (LA)#4582020#7672021#4692023

District of Columbia (DC)

District of Columbia (DC) flagDistrict of Columbia (DC)#2522019#1892020#2032021

Oklahoma (OK)

Oklahoma (OK) flagOklahoma (OK)#7332019#4782020#7592021

South Carolina (SC)

South Carolina (SC) flagSouth Carolina (SC)#4152016#7442019#5572023

Nevada (NV)

Nevada (NV) flagNevada (NV)#5462018#4322019#5402022

Alabama (AL)

Alabama (AL) flagAlabama (AL)#7972020#8332021#5932022

New Mexico (NM)

New Mexico (NM) flagNew Mexico (NM)#4152017#4162019#3772023

Idaho (ID)

Idaho (ID) flagIdaho (ID)#3692013#4442021#3302023

New Hampshire (NH)

New Hampshire (NH) flagNew Hampshire (NH)#2282006#2422015#1712023

Delaware (DE)

Delaware (DE) flagDelaware (DE)#1882000#2232007#2082009

North Dakota (ND)

North Dakota (ND) flagNorth Dakota (ND)#2702015#2792017#2482021

Arkansas (AR)

Arkansas (AR) flagArkansas (AR)#5832011#5972018#5832020

West Virginia (WV)

West Virginia (WV) flagWest Virginia (WV)#3032006#3642022

Maine (ME)

Maine (ME) flagMaine (ME)#2162001#2552018

Mississippi (MS)

Mississippi (MS) flagMississippi (MS)#5902017#5972019

Nebraska (NE)

Nebraska (NE) flagNebraska (NE)#3112023

Vermont (VT)

Vermont (VT) flagVermont (VT)#1152002

Hawaii (HI)

Hawaii (HI) flagHawaii (HI)#2712018

Popularity Rankings for Kieran in other Countries and American Territories

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Rankings)

Popularity in Australia (NSW)

Australia (NSW) flagAustralia (NSW)#801993#741994#881995

Popularity in Ireland

Ireland flagIreland#1862021#3492022#3302023

Popularity in Canada

Canada flagCanada#2232021#3952022#4542023

Popularity in Scotland

Scotland flagScotland#2622021#2562022#4352023

Popularity in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland flagNorthern Ireland#2702020#4142022#3952023

Popularity in New Zealand

New Zealand flagNew Zealand#2752018#3862019#4652023

Popularity in England and Wales

England and Wales flagEngland and Wales#3742019#4202020#6052021

Popularity in Switzerland

Switzerland flagSwitzerland#8412008#9752009#6972016

Popularity in Poland

Poland flagPoland#7362014

Popularity in Quebec, Canada

Quebec, Canada flagQuebec, Canada#8132019#7992021#9442022

Source: Social Security Administration (SSA) and Other National Sources

Is Kieran a Name for Boys or Girls?

Historically, Kieran has been used more frequently for boys, reflecting its strong Gaelic heritage.

Variants, Nicknames, Diminutives, and Ideal Middle Names for Kieran

Kieran in Famous People Names and Pop Culture

  • Kieran Culkin (Actor, 1982): Starred in "Home Alone" and "Succession," earning acclaim for his diverse roles.
  • Kieran Trippier (Soccer Player, 1990): English footballer playing as a defender for Newcastle United and the national team.
  • Kieran Hebden (Music Producer, 1978): Known as Four Tet, he is a renowned electronic musician and DJ.
  • Kieran Gibbs (Soccer Player, 1989): English footballer who played as a left-back for Arsenal and the national team.
  • Kieran Read (Rugby Player, 1985): Former captain of the New Zealand All Blacks, celebrated for his leadership and skill.
  • Kieran Walker ("In the Flesh," 2013 TV Series): A reanimated zombie trying to reintegrate into society after a zombie apocalypse.
  • Kieran Wilcox ("Scream," 2015 TV Series): A high school student with a dark secret, connected to a series of murders in his town.
  • None

Similar Names to Kieran

Sibling Names for Kieran

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Helen Doanna

Helen Doanna

Editor in Chief, Educational Specialist, and Senior Content Creator

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Child Development Specialist, Child-care Coordinator, Family Support Specialist, Content Writer, Communications Specialist, Educational Consultant, STEAM Teacher

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2. University of Social Science and Humanity, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

  • Program: Bachelor’s degree in Education Faculty
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3. Oregon State University, Oregan, US

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Helen is an experienced educational specialist and content creator, known for her innovative approach to children’s learning. With a background in literature and child development, she composes engaging educational content for SimpleKids.net. Her work emphasizes creativity, engagement, and simplicity, aiming to make learning enjoyable and accessible for children and their families.

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