"dark one, black-haired one"
Origin: Irish Gaelic
Language: Irish
Keira
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Dark, fierce, and Irish — a name with Gaelic soul
Irish
Scottish
English
American
Elegant
Classic
Strong
Literary
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"dark complexioned, shadowy"
Origin: Old Irish
Language: Gaelic
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The Story of Keira
Keira is an anglicized variant of the Irish Gaelic name Ciara (pronounced KEER-ah), derived from the Old Irish 'ciar,' meaning 'dark' or 'black.' The name refers to dark features — black hair, dark complexion — and was historically a compliment to a woman of striking dark beauty. Saint Ciara of Kilkeary was an early Irish saint who bore the name with distinction.
Keira surged in popularity in the early 2000s, driven almost entirely by the meteoric rise of British actress Keira Knightley, who appeared in Bend It Like Beckham and Pirates of the Caribbean in 2002–2003. The name shot into UK and US top 100 lists, representing one of the clearest celebrity name influences in modern naming history.
Ireland has a long tradition of 'ciar' names (Ciara, Kieran, Ciarán), as dark hair was associated with the pre-Celtic Fir Bolg people and later romanticized. Saint Ciara is venerated in Irish Catholic tradition. The 'Keira' spelling represents the modern anglicization that makes the Irish sound accessible globally.
Historical Record
Keira first appeared in US Social Security records in 1962.
Over 33,362 babies have been named Keira in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Keira is past its peak , currently ranked #609 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Keira Knightley was born in 1985 — before the name became popular — suggesting her parents were ahead of the trend
- The male equivalent Ciarán/Kieran means the same thing: 'dark one'
- Saint Ciara of Kilkeary is one of over 20 Irish saints with this name, showing its deep roots in Irish Christian tradition
Keira in Other Languages
Latin
Ciara
English
Keira/Kyra
Spanish
Ciara
Irish Gaelic
Ciara
Scottish Gaelic
Cìara
Popularity Over Time
#609
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Peaked 2006
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Keira
K
Keira Knightley
Actor
1985
British actress whose breakout roles in Bend It Like Beckham and Pirates of the Caribbean made her one of the most famou...
British actress whose breakout roles in Bend It Like Beckham and Pirates of the Caribbean made her one of the most famous faces of the 2000s, and who propelled this spelling of the name to popularity
S
Saint Ciara of Kilkeary
Religious
Early Irish saint venerated in the Catholic Church, one of the most beloved early Irish holy women
K
Kira (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine) Fictional
Other
Major Kira Nerys, a Bajoran first officer aboard DS9, one of TV's earliest and most complex female protagonists of color
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Compare Keira with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #609
- Total SSA Count
- 492
- Cultural Origins
- Irish Scottish English American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Kei
Kee
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, Irish heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Keira
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Keira is also used as a boy name, ranked #16047.
View Keira as a boy name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Keira
What does the name Keira mean?
"dark one, black-haired one" (from Irish Gaelic). "dark complexioned, shadowy" (from Old Irish). Keira is an anglicized variant of the Irish Gaelic name Ciara (pronounced KEER-ah), derived from the Old Irish 'ciar,' meaning 'dark' or 'black.' The name refers to dark features — black hair, dark complexion — and was historically a compliment to a woman of striking dark beauty. Saint Ciara of Kilkeary was an early Irish saint who bore the name with distinction.
What is the origin of the name Keira?
Keira has Irish Gaelic, Old Irish, Irish, Scottish, English, and American origins. In Irish Gaelic, it means "dark one, black-haired one". In Old Irish, it means "dark complexioned, shadowy".
Is Keira a boy or girl name?
Keira is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #609. As a boy name, it is ranked #16047. Keira is more commonly used as a girl name.
How popular is the name Keira?
Keira is currently ranked #609 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Keira?
Common nicknames for Keira include Kei and Kee.
What are good middle names for Keira?
Popular middle name pairings include Keira Rose, Keira Elizabeth, Keira Anne, Keira Grace, Keira Louise, and Keira Marie.
What are good sibling names for Keira?
Names that pair well with Keira as siblings include Niamh, Aoife, Siobhan, Declan, Cillian, and Finn.
How many syllables does Keira have?
Keira has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Keira a common or rare name?
Keira is moderately common, ranked #609 for girls in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.
What girl names are similar to Keira?
Are there other spellings for Keira?
Related spellings include Keiry.
About the Name Keira
Keira is a girl name with Irish, Scottish, English, and American origins . The name means "dark one, black-haired one" in Irish Gaelic .
Is Keira a boy or girl name? Keira is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #609 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #16,047. Keira is more commonly used as a girl name.
Keira is currently ranked #609 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Keira has 2 syllables, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Keira include Kei and Kee. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Keira include Keiry . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis