Kieran
Kieran is a boy's name of Irish origin.
Meaning
Little dark one or dark-haired.
Origin and history
Kieran is an Anglicized form of the Irish name Ciarán, derived from the Gaelic word 'ciar' meaning dark. Historically popular in Ireland, it gained steady traction in the United States during the late 20th and early 21st centuries. It offers a classic Celtic heritage while feeling modern and approachable to American parents.
Popularity in the United States
17,613 babies in the United States have been named Kieran since 1880. It ranks #888 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #457.
States where it is most popular
- NY (15.4 %)
- CA (13 %)
- PA (7.2 %)
- NJ (6 %)
- TX (4.7 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 0 |
| 1890-1900 | 0 |
| 1900-1910 | 0 |
| 1910-1920 | 8 |
| 1920-1930 | 38 |
| 1930-1940 | 48 |
| 1940-1950 | 81 |
| 1950-1960 | 222 |
| 1960-1970 | 374 |
| 1970-1980 | 415 |
| 1980-1990 | 610 |
| 1990-2000 | 2,177 |
| 2000-2010 | 4,412 |
| 2010-2019 | 5,282 |
| 2020-2029 | 3,946 |
Famous people named Kieran
- Kieran Culkin: Actor
- Kieran Trippier: Athlete
- Kieran Read: Athlete
Fun facts
- Kieran is the phonetic Anglicization of the traditional Irish Gaelic name Ciarán.
- Two prominent 6th-century Irish saints bore the name Ciarán, establishing its deep historical roots in Ireland.