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boy name · irish origin

Kieran

/ KEER-uhn /
Boy irish 2 syllables
Meaning
Kieran means little dark one (irish).
Gender
Boy
Origin
irish
Pronunciation
KEER-uhn
Popularity
#389 · U.S. boys (2025)
Popularity of Kieran in the US, 1880–2025
192019401960198020002020

Kieran first appears in US records in 1918. It peaked in 2025, when 817 boys were given the name; in 2025 there were 817.

Source: US Social Security Administration.

Is Kieran popular?

Near its peak Kieran is more popular now than at almost any point on record, peaking in 2025.

US babies given the name Kieran, by decade
2020s 3,946
2010s 5,282
2000s 4,412
1990s 2,177
1980s 610
1970s 415
1960s 374
1950s 222
1940s 81
1930s 48
1920s 38
1910s 8

Counts from US Social Security Administration data, 1880–2025.

What does Kieran mean?

Anglicized from Irish Ciaran, a diminutive of 'ciar' meaning 'black, dark', giving 'little dark one'. Borne by several early Irish saints.

Names like Kieran

irish names with a similar feel and popularity.

See all names like Kieran →

Names that pair well with Kieran

Popular irish names for a sibling or a middle name.

Compare Kieran

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Kieran mean?

Kieran means little dark one. Anglicized from Irish Ciaran, a diminutive of 'ciar' meaning 'black, dark', giving 'little dark one'. Borne by several early Irish saints.

What is the origin of the name Kieran?

Kieran is of irish origin.

How do you pronounce Kieran?

Kieran is pronounced “KEER-uhn.”

Is Kieran a boy or a girl name?

Kieran is most commonly used as a boy name.

Is Kieran a popular name right now?

Kieran is more popular now than at almost any point on record, peaking in 2025.

How popular is the name Kieran?

In 2025, Kieran ranked #389 among boys’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.

When was the name Kieran most popular?

Kieran was most popular in 2025, when about 817 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.

What names are similar to Kieran?

Names similar to Kieran include Kian, Cillian, Doyle, Sullivan, Conor.

What names go well with Kieran?

irish names that pair well with Kieran include Ryan, Liam, Aiden, Sean, Aidan.