Kiran
Kiran is a Hindu unisex name of Sanskrit origin, meaning “Ray of light, sunbeam”.
| Meaning | Ray of light, sunbeam |
|---|---|
| Gender | Unisex |
| Origin | Sanskrit |
| Written as | किरण |
| Pronunciation | KEE-run |
| Tradition | Hindu, Sikh, Muslim |
| Used in | India, Pakistan, Nepal, United Kingdom |
Meaning and origin of Kiran
Kiran comes from the Sanskrit kirana, a ray or beam of light. It is one of the most widespread names in South Asia and is genuinely unisex: in many regions it is given to girls, while in Maharashtra, Karnataka and Kerala it is often a boy's name. Well-known bearers include the police officer and politician Kiran Bedi and the novelist Kiran Desai.
Is Kiran a Hindu name?
Kiran is used across faiths: by Hindus, by Sikhs with Kaur or Singh, and by many Muslim families in Pakistan, as it has no specific religious meaning.
How popular is Kiran?
Very common across South Asia and among its diaspora.
Gifts with the name Kiran
- Kiran name necklaces & bracelets (Amazon)
- Personalised Kiran baby gifts (Amazon)
- Hindu 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 Kiran
Names similar to Kiran
More Hindu unisex names
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Kiran mean?
Kiran means 'Ray of light, sunbeam'. It is of Sanskrit origin.
Is Kiran a Hindu name?
Kiran is used across faiths: by Hindus, by Sikhs with Kaur or Singh, and by many Muslim families in Pakistan, as it has no specific religious meaning.
How do you pronounce Kiran?
Kiran is pronounced KEE-run.
Is Kiran a boy or girl name?
Kiran is used for both boys and girls.