Ciaran
Ciaran is a Christian boy name of Irish origin, meaning “Little dark one”.
| Meaning | Little dark one |
|---|---|
| Gender | Boy |
| Origin | Irish |
| Pronunciation | KEER-awn |
| Tradition | Christian |
| Used in | Ireland, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom |
Meaning and origin of Ciaran
Ciaran, properly Ciarán, comes from ciar 'dark, black' plus the diminutive -án, giving 'little dark one', usually of hair or complexion. It is among Ireland's oldest saints' names. Anglicised as Kieran, it is now well known throughout the English-speaking world. In Ireland the Irish spelling remains common.
Is Ciaran a Christian name?
Two of Ireland's great early saints bore it: Ciarán of Clonmacnoise, founder of a major monastery, and Ciarán of Saighir, often called the first-born of Irish saints.
How popular is Ciaran?
Popular in Ireland and widely used as Kieran elsewhere.
Gifts with the name Ciaran
- Ciaran name necklaces & bracelets (Amazon)
- Personalised Ciaran baby gifts (Amazon)
- Christian baby gifts & books (Amazon)
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. We may earn a small commission from these links, at no extra cost to you.
Spellings and variants of Ciaran
Names similar to Ciaran
More Christian boy names
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Ciaran mean?
Ciaran means 'Little dark one'. It is of Irish origin.
Is Ciaran a Christian name?
Two of Ireland's great early saints bore it: Ciarán of Clonmacnoise, founder of a major monastery, and Ciarán of Saighir, often called the first-born of Irish saints.
How do you pronounce Ciaran?
Ciaran is pronounced KEER-awn.
Is Ciaran a boy or girl name?
Ciaran is usually a boy name.