Kieran

boyIrishChristian

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

MeaningLittle dark one
GenderBoy
OriginIrish
PronunciationKEER-un
TraditionChristian, Modern & Classic
Used inIreland, United Kingdom, United States, Australia

Meaning and origin of Kieran

Kieran is the anglicised form of Irish Ciarán, from ciar, dark or black, with a diminutive ending, giving 'little dark one', usually understood as dark-haired. It was borne by several early Irish saints, most famously St Ciarán of Clonmacnoise, founder of a great monastery in the sixth century, and St Ciarán of Saighir, one of the twelve 'Apostles of Ireland'. The name spread through Britain in the twentieth century.

Is Kieran a Christian name?

Kieran is a Christian name through the Irish saints Ciarán; it is popular with Catholic families in Ireland.

How popular is Kieran?

Well used in Ireland and the UK; moderately common elsewhere.

Gifts with the name Kieran

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Spellings and variants of Kieran

CiaránKieronKeiranCiaran

Names similar to Kieran

More Christian boy names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Kieran mean?

Kieran means 'Little dark one'. It is of Irish origin.

Is Kieran a Christian name?

Kieran is a Christian name through the Irish saints Ciarán; it is popular with Catholic families in Ireland.

How do you pronounce Kieran?

Kieran is pronounced KEER-un.

Is Kieran a boy or girl name?

Kieran is usually a boy name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.