Kieran Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Kieran is an Irish name derived from the word 'ciar', meaning 'dark' or 'black'. The name evolved from Ciarán in Old Irish and has historical significance due to its association with St. Kieran. It reflects traits of strength and tradition, with no biblical relevance.
The name Kieran is most popular in Colorado, 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 gaining 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, Kieran has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, too falling for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Kieran' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 4965th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 3306th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 1608th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 1341st out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 921st out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 568th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 510th out of 23106 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 7802nd out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 7044th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 4929th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 2902nd out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 5324th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Kieran' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Kieran"
Pronunciation
/ˈkɪərən/
Origin
Irish
Etymology
Kieran is derived from the Irish name Ciarán, which comes from the word 'ciar' meaning 'dark' or 'black'. The name is often associated with the idea of 'little dark one'.
Meaning
dark, black
Language Evolution
Ciarán (Old Irish), Ciar (Old Irish), Kieran (Modern Irish)
Historical Usage
Kieran has been used in Ireland for centuries, particularly associated with St. Kieran, one of the earliest Irish saints, which contributed to its popularity during the early medieval period.
Variants & Derivatives
Ciarán, Kiernan, Kier
Modern Popularity & Image
Kieran is perceived as a strong and traditional name in modern Ireland and has gained popularity in other English-speaking countries. It is often associated with creativity and depth.
Famous People
Kieran Culkin - American actor, Kieran Read - New Zealand rugby player, Kieran Trippier - English footballer
Explore More Kieran Name Visualizations
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Kieran"
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 "Kieran"
"Kieran" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 4965th of 7545 | 33 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 3306th of 6773 | 95 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 1608th of 7552 | 450 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 1341st of 10718 | 652 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 921st of 16616 | 1,874 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 568th of 24088 | 6,783 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 510th of 23106 | 6,901 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 7802nd of 12526 | 36 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 7044th of 19264 | 97 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 4929th of 27321 | 282 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 2902nd of 35406 | 886 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 5324th of 30306 | 293 |
Regional Popularity of "Kieran" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- |
78.86% 1227th/1556 |
- | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- |
30.66% 745th/2430 |
- |
56.97% 1581st/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
55.16% 1620th/2937 |
18.52% 645th/3483 |
- |
45.15% 1826th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
29.42% 1084th/3685 |
12.29% 550th/4475 |
28.99% 1506th/5194 |
14.56% 920th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
13.12% 601st/4582 |
6.27% 324th/5164 |
10.76% 787th/7313 |
7.18% 536th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
12.83% 511th/3984 |
7.49% 336th/4487 |
9.54% 651st/6822 |
8.14% 511th/6276 |
Regional Popularity of "Kieran" 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) |
- |
85.79% 3839th/4475 |
- | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
76.65% 3512th/4582 |
54.74% 2827th/5164 |
56.88% 4160th/7313 |
54.29% 4052nd/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- |
87.74% 3937th/4487 |
100.00% 6822nd/6822 |
- |
State-by-State Popularity of "Kieran"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Kieran" 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.