Ciaran Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis

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Summary

Ciaran is an Irish name meaning 'little dark one', derived from 'ciar', reflecting its linguistic roots. The name has evolved through historical forms and is linked to various saints, enhancing its significance in Irish culture. It has no biblical relevance but has maintained a strong presence in Ireland and among those of Irish descent. Ciaran is perceived as both traditional and contemporary, with notable figures bearing the name.

The name Ciaran is most popular in New York, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation Alpha generation in the Northeast region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Ciaran has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. Across generations, 'Ciaran' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 7201st out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 7011th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 3646th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 2084th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 2006th out of 23106 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 17532nd out of 19264 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 24119th out of 35406 names. Discover how the name 'Ciaran' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.

Etymology & Cultural Background of "Ciaran"

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Pronunciation

/ˈkɪərən/

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Origin

Irish

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Etymology

The name Ciaran is derived from the Irish word 'ciar', meaning 'dark' or 'black'. It is a diminutive form that translates to 'little dark one'.

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Meaning

little dark one

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Language Evolution

Ciar, Ciarán, Ciaran

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Historical Usage

Ciaran has been used in Ireland since the early medieval period, gaining popularity due to its association with several saints, most notably Saint Ciarán of Saiger, one of the Twelve Apostles of Ireland.

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Variants & Derivatives

Kieran, Kiaran, Ciar, Ciara

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Modern Popularity & Image

Ciaran is viewed as a traditional yet modern name in Ireland and among Irish communities worldwide. It is often associated with heritage and cultural identity.

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Famous People

Ciaran Hinds - an acclaimed Irish actor., Ciaran McMenamin - a Northern Irish actor., Ciaran O'Brien - an Irish politician.

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Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Ciaran"

Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.

Yearly Ranking History of "Ciaran"

"Ciaran" Popularity Across American Generations

Generation Gender Rank Total Names
Baby Boomers (1946-1964) Boy 7201st of 7552 6
Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) Boy 7011th of 10718 27
Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) Boy 3646th of 16616 231
Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) Boy 2084th of 24088 944
Generation Alpha (2013-2024) Boy 2006th of 23106 884
Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) Girl 17532nd of 19264 7
Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) Girl 24119th of 35406 23

Regional Popularity of "Ciaran" by Generation for Male Names

TOP(%) MidWest Northeast South West
G.I. Generation
(1901-1927)
- - - -
Silent Generation
(1928-1945)
- - - -
Baby Boomers
(1946-1964)
- - - -
Generation X (Gen X)
(1965-1980)
- - - -
Millennials (Gen Y)
(1981-1996)
- 40.63%
1818th/4475
- 47.51%
3001st/6317
Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers)
(1997-2012)
55.52%
2544th/4582
24.30%
1255th/5164
68.67%
5022nd/7313
25.53%
1905th/7463
Generation Alpha
(2013-2024)
64.48%
2569th/3984
27.19%
1220th/4487
44.09%
3008th/6822
29.88%
1875th/6276

Regional Popularity of "Ciaran" by Generation for Female Names

TOP(%) MidWest Northeast South West
G.I. Generation
(1901-1927)
- - - -
Silent Generation
(1928-1945)
- - - -
Baby Boomers
(1946-1964)
- - - -
Generation X (Gen X)
(1965-1980)
- - - -
Millennials (Gen Y)
(1981-1996)
- - - -
Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers)
(1997-2012)
- - - -
Generation Alpha
(2013-2024)
- - - -

State-by-State Popularity of "Ciaran"

This map shows the relative popularity of "Ciaran" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.