Keir Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Keir originates from Scottish Gaelic, meaning 'dark' or 'black.' It evolved from Old Irish and Middle Irish forms, maintaining its core meaning throughout its history. The name carries a sense of strength and uniqueness, with no direct biblical relevance. It has gained popularity in modern times, particularly in Scotland and among English speakers, and is associated with notable figures in politics and entertainment.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Keir"
Pronunciation
/kɪər/
Origin
Scottish Gaelic
Etymology
The name Keir is derived from the Scottish Gaelic word 'cair,' which means 'dark' or 'black.'
Meaning
dark, black
Language Evolution
Old Irish: Ciar, Middle Irish: Ciard, Scottish Gaelic: Keir
Historical Usage
Keir has been used as a given name since at least the 20th century, gaining popularity in Scotland and among English-speaking communities in recent years.
Variants & Derivatives
Kier, Kieran, Ciar
Modern Popularity & Image
Keir is viewed as a strong and unique name, often associated with a sense of individuality and cultural heritage.
Famous People
Keir Starmer - British politician and leader of the Labour Party, Keir Dullea - American actor known for his role in '2001: A Space Odyssey'
📊 Keir Name Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Keir Name Visualizations
✨ Keir Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 74 peak births in 1970
Geographic Spread
Popular across 6 US states, with strongest presence in New Jersey
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 7 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Same Pronunciation Names for "Keir" - Complete Guide (1 Names)
Discover the ultimate list of homophone names and same pronunciation names that sound identical to "Keir". These names share the same pronunciation but may have different spellings, offering alternative options for parents seeking similar-sounding names. Whether you're looking for American or British pronunciation variations, this comprehensive guide includes 1 carefully curated names that maintain the same phonetic sound.
Why explore same pronunciation names? Many parents search for homophone names to find alternative spellings that might be more unique or culturally significant. This ultimate list covers both American and British pronunciation patterns, ensuring you find the perfect variation of "Keir" that fits your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Keir"
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 "Keir"
"Keir" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 4970th of 7552 | 34 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 1860th of 10718 | 382 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 3452nd of 16616 | 251 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 5844th of 24088 | 208 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 6070th of 23106 | 171 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 9338th of 19264 | 54 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 23525th of 27321 | 10 |
Regional Popularity of "Keir" 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) |
55.16% 1620th/2937 |
33.85% 1179th/3483 |
- |
55.34% 2238th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - |
63.94% 4039th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - |
75.38% 4731st/6276 |
Regional Popularity of "Keir" 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 "Keir"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Keir" 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.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends of "Keir" in the United States
The name Keir is most popular in New Jersey, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation X (Gen X) 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, Keir has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, 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 West. Across generations, 'Keir' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 4970th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 1860th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 3452nd out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 5844th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 6070th out of 23106 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 9338th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 23525th out of 27321 names. Discover how the name 'Keir' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.