Kieran

Kieran is a boy name of Irish origin, meaning Little dark one.

What Kieran means

Little dark one.

Kieran sits at 6 letters, and ends on a consonant, which gives it a firmer stop.

Where Kieran comes from

Irish names come from the Gaelic tradition, and most of the familiar spellings are anglicisations of older forms. The original often looks nothing like the version in common use today.

Kieran is recorded as Irish in origin. Browse other Irish names.

How popular is Kieran?

In the boy name rankings we track, Kieran falls outside the top 100. That puts it in the broad middle ground where most names live: familiar to those who know it, uncommon enough to still feel like a choice.

The character of Kieran

Kieran sits in our the long-established classics group. Following that theme is usually the fastest way to find the handful of other names that feel the way this one does.

Themes: Classic

Names like Kieran

These share Kieran's themes, origin, or both — closest first.

• Ciaran — Little dark one.
• Daithi — Swift and nimble; beloved.
• Desmond — From South Munster.
• Seamus — Supplanter; one who follows.
• Sullivan — Dark eyes.
• Keira — Little dark-haired one.
• Caitlin — Pure.
• Cassidy — Curly-haired; clever.
• Ciara — Dark-haired one.
• Sile — Youthful.
• Siobhan — God is gracious.
• Alexander — Defender of the people.

More Irish names

• Kennedy — Helmeted chief.
• Killian — Little church; bright.
• Keira — Little dark-haired one.
• Laoise — Radiant girl; light.
• Grainne — Grain; grace; love.
• Lennon — Little cloak; dear one.
• Garrett — Spear ruler; brave.
• Liam — Strong-willed warrior and protector.
• Flynn — Son of the red-haired one.
• Lorcan — Little fierce one.