Kiernan Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Kiernan is an Irish name derived from the Gaelic 'Ciarán', meaning 'little dark one' or 'dark-haired'. It has evolved through historical forms such as Ciarán and Kieran. The name is associated with traits of creativity and individuality, and it lacks any direct biblical relevance. It has gained popularity in recent years, especially in English-speaking countries.
The name Kiernan is most popular in New York, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) 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, Kiernan has been stalled for male 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. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male 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. Across generations, 'Kiernan' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 7552nd out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 6839th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 3059th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 2078th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 3137th out of 23106 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 14020th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 8745th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 5731st out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 7104th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Kiernan' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Kiernan"
Pronunciation
/ˈkɪərnən/
Origin
Irish
Etymology
The name Kiernan is derived from the Gaelic surname 'Ciarán', which means 'little dark one' or 'dark-haired'. It comes from the word 'ciar', meaning 'dark' or 'black'.
Meaning
little dark one, dark-haired
Language Evolution
Ciarán, Kieran, Kiernan
Historical Usage
The name Kiernan has been used in Ireland for centuries and has gained popularity outside of Ireland in recent decades, particularly in English-speaking countries.
Variants & Derivatives
Kieran, Ciaran, Kiernan
Modern Popularity & Image
Kiernan is perceived as a trendy and modern name, often associated with creativity and individuality. It has gained a following among parents looking for names with Irish heritage.
Famous People
Kiernan Shipka, Kiernan O'Day
📊 Kiernan Name Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Kiernan Name Visualizations
✨ Kiernan Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 104 peak births in 2008
Geographic Spread
Popular across 14 US states, with strongest presence in New York
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 9 different American generations with varying popularity
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Kiernan"
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 "Kiernan"
"Kiernan" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 7552nd of 7552 | 5 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 6839th of 10718 | 29 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 3059th of 16616 | 299 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 2078th of 24088 | 947 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 3137th of 23106 | 447 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 14020th of 19264 | 17 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 8745th of 27321 | 120 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 5731st of 35406 | 344 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 7104th of 30306 | 197 |
Regional Popularity of "Kiernan" 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) |
- |
63.82% 2223rd/3483 |
- | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- |
43.75% 1958th/4475 |
- |
44.56% 2815th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
56.22% 2576th/4582 |
27.67% 1429th/5164 |
40.50% 2962nd/7313 |
33.58% 2506th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- |
50.52% 2267th/4487 |
74.46% 5080th/6822 |
65.98% 4141st/6276 |
Regional Popularity of "Kiernan" 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) |
- |
100.00% 5164th/5164 |
- | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - |
94.50% 6447th/6822 |
- |
State-by-State Popularity of "Kiernan"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Kiernan" 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.