"dark one, little dark one"
Origin: Irish
Language: English
Keiran
Does Keiran flow with your last name?
A dark-featured Irish saint's name with ancient roots
Irish
Scottish
English
Australian
Classic
Strong
Earthy
Traditional
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Meaning & Origin
"black, dark-featured"
Origin: Old Irish
Language: Irish
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The Story of Keiran
Keiran is an anglicized spelling of the Irish name Ciarán (also Kieran), derived from the Old Irish 'ciar' meaning dark or black, typically referring to someone with dark features. The '-an' suffix is a diminutive, making it 'little dark one.' This was a highly honored name in early Ireland, borne by two of Ireland's most important saints, giving it deep spiritual roots in Irish Catholic tradition.
Kieran/Keiran has been a consistently popular name in Ireland and among Irish diaspora communities in the UK, Australia, and the US. The variant spelling 'Keiran' became more common in the 1990s-2000s as anglicized spellings of Irish names gained favor. It remains popular in Ireland and among parents who want a Celtic name that's familiar yet distinctive.
The name Ciarán is one of the most historically significant in Irish tradition. St. Ciarán of Clonmacnoise (c. 516-549) founded one of Ireland's most important medieval monasteries. St. Ciarán of Saighir is one of the Twelve Apostles of Ireland. Having two major saints with this name made it deeply embedded in Irish Catholic culture.
Historical Record
Keiran first appeared in US Social Security records in 1989.
Over 1,027 babies have been named Keiran in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Keiran is past its peak , currently ranked #5,092 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- There are two major Irish saints named Ciarán: Ciarán of Clonmacnoise and Ciarán of Saighir
- The name shares its root 'ciar' (dark) with the Irish word for black, used in place names across Ireland
- Kieran Culkin, brother of Macaulay Culkin, has brought the name to Hollywood fame
Keiran in Other Languages
Irish
Ciarán
Welsh
Cieran
French
Kieran
Spanish
Kieran
Scottish Gaelic
Ciarán
Popularity Over Time
#5,092
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Peaked 2011
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Keiran
K
Kieran Culkin
Actor
1982
American actor known for playing Roman Roy in HBO's Succession, for which he won an Emmy and Golden Globe
C
Ciarán Hinds
Actor
1953
Northern Irish actor known for Game of Thrones, Munich, and Belfast
S
St. Ciarán of Clonmacnoise
Religious
516
Irish abbot and one of the Twelve Apostles of Ireland who founded the great monastery of Clonmacnoise
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #5,092
- Total SSA Count
- 19
- Cultural Origins
- Irish Scottish English Australian
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Kei
Keri
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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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
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, Scottish heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Keiran
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Keiran is also used as a girl name, ranked #20373.
View Keiran as a girl name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Keiran
What does the name Keiran mean?
"dark one, little dark one" (from Irish). "black, dark-featured" (from Old Irish). Keiran is an anglicized spelling of the Irish name Ciarán (also Kieran), derived from the Old Irish 'ciar' meaning dark or black, typically referring to someone with dark features. The '-an' suffix is a diminutive, making it 'little dark one.' This was a highly honored name in early Ireland, borne by two of Ireland's most important saints, giving it deep spiritual roots in Irish Catholic tradition.
What is the origin of the name Keiran?
Keiran has Irish, Old Irish, Scottish, English, and Australian origins. In Irish, it means "dark one, little dark one". In Old Irish, it means "black, dark-featured".
Is Keiran a boy or girl name?
Keiran is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #5092. As a girl name, it is ranked #20373. Keiran is more commonly used as a boy name.
How popular is the name Keiran?
Keiran is currently ranked #5092 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Keiran?
Common nicknames for Keiran include Kei and Keri.
What are good middle names for Keiran?
Popular middle name pairings include Keiran James, Keiran Patrick, Keiran Thomas, Keiran Michael, Keiran Liam, Keiran Sean, and Keiran Finn.
What are good sibling names for Keiran?
Names that pair well with Keiran as siblings include Declan, Fiona, Niamh, Ronan, Aoife, Cillian, and Siobhan.
How many syllables does Keiran have?
Keiran has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Keiran a common or rare name?
Keiran is an uncommon name, ranked #5092 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Keiran
Keiran is a boy name with Irish, Scottish, English, and Australian origins . The name means "dark one, little dark one" in Irish .
Is Keiran a boy or girl name? Keiran is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #5,092 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #20,373. Keiran is more commonly used as a boy name.
Keiran is currently ranked #5,092 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Keiran has 2 syllables, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Keiran include Kei and Keri. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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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