Kiernan
Kiernan is a boy's name of Irish origin.
Meaning
Little dark one or descendant of Ciernán.
Origin and history
Kiernan is an Anglicized form of the Irish surname Ó Ciernain, which derives from a personal name meaning 'little dark one.' Historically an Irish surname, it has gained use as a given name in the United States. It remains a relatively rare choice for American boys, maintaining a distinct Celtic style.
Popularity in the United States
1,761 babies in the United States have been named Kiernan since 1880. It ranks #3040 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1720.
States where it is most popular
- NY (41.6 %)
- CA (20.2 %)
- MA (7.1 %)
- FL (5.7 %)
- PA (5.2 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 0 |
| 1890-1900 | 0 |
| 1900-1910 | 0 |
| 1910-1920 | 0 |
| 1920-1930 | 0 |
| 1930-1940 | 0 |
| 1940-1950 | 0 |
| 1950-1960 | 5 |
| 1960-1970 | 9 |
| 1970-1980 | 20 |
| 1980-1990 | 88 |
| 1990-2000 | 338 |
| 2000-2010 | 645 |
| 2010-2019 | 449 |
| 2020-2029 | 207 |
Famous people named Kiernan
- Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall: athlete, soccer player
Fun facts
- Kiernan originated as an Irish family surname derived from the Gaelic name Ciernán.
- While used primarily for males historically, the similar-sounding name Kiernan has seen usage for females, such as actress Kiernan Shipka.