boy name · Irish origin
Ciaran
/ KEER-awn /
Meaning
Ciaran means Little dark one (Irish).
Gender
Boy
Origin
Irish
Pronunciation
KEER-awn
Popularity
#1609 · U.S. boys (2025)
Popularity of Ciaran in the US, 1880–2025
Ciaran first appears in US records in 1959. It peaked in 2025, when 105 boys were given the name; in 2025 there were 105.
Source: US Social Security Administration.
What does Ciaran mean?
Ciarán means “little dark one,” from ciar, “black.”
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Ciaran mean?
Ciaran means Little dark one. Ciarán means “little dark one,” from ciar, “black.”
What is the origin of the name Ciaran?
Ciaran is of Irish origin.
How do you pronounce Ciaran?
Ciaran is pronounced “KEER-awn.”
Is Ciaran a boy or a girl name?
Ciaran is most commonly used as a boy name.
How popular is the name Ciaran?
In 2025, Ciaran ranked #1609 among boys’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.
When was the name Ciaran most popular?
Ciaran was most popular in 2025, when about 105 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.