Rising since 1987, #1,310 for boys today.
Popularity of Cian since 1976
Babies named Cian per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2007, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Cian's real moment was 2017.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 15 |
| 1980s | 59 |
| 1990s | 260 |
| 2000s | 1,184 |
| 2010s | 1,413 |
| 2020s | 793 |
Meaning & origin
Cian is a distinctly Irish name that has steadily gained visibility in the United States. First recorded in U.S. data in 1976, it has been rising in usage since the late 1980s, with a peak in popularity in 2017. As of 2025, it ranks 1310th nationally, given to roughly 1 in 11,541 newborns. The name is most frequently found in states with strong Irish-American communities, including New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Virginia. Its simple sound and deep mythological roots appeal to parents seeking a name that is both traditional and accessible.
Cian is derived from the Old Irish name Cían, meaning 'ancient' or 'enduring'. In Irish mythology, Cian was a warrior and father of the god Lugh. The name has been used in Ireland for centuries but saw limited use elsewhere until recent decades.
Where Cian is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Cian” around the world
Where Cian lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
Ireland
#33
in 2025
Sources: CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Kian, Cían
Sibling names for Cian
Names that share Cian's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Aoife, Niamh, Saoirse, Ciara, Maeve, Aislinn, Brigid, Cianna, Dara, Keva, Kiera, Leigha, Moira, Una, Aislin, Aisling, Ceara, Ciana, Delany, Enya, Keara, Keelin, Leana, Meara, Neve, Oona, Orla, Seanna, Tarah, Treasa, Anam, Evanna, Fia, Fiadh, Fionna, Gatha, Inis, Ita, Keera, Mairin, Moya, Niva, Riona, Roisin, Teaghan, Aideen, Aine, Ashling, Caoimhe, Ceili, Ceira, Clodagh, Eilis, Eilish, Elowynn, Enda, Fianna, Keeva, Kerina, Kieryn, Nuala, Oria, Riann, Sorcha, Syriana, Eavan, Neave, Abaigeal, Abiageal, Aibhlinn, Aileena, Airyn, Aylinn, Emer, Ethne, Fionnuala, Madailein, Shivonne, Stiorra, Talulla
Brothers: Conor, Liam, Oisin, Finn, Eoin, Declan, Ean, Finnian, Flynn, Keagan, Oran, Ronan, Aedan, Brogan, Donal, Eamonn, Kaelan, Keane, Kelan, Niall, Nyle, Shamus, Tiernan, Bron, Cashel, Chael, Derrian, Eion, Eoghan, Finian, Fintan, Fionn, Keeghan, Neven, Phelan, Shayn, Tadhg, Tynan, Aedin, Aengus, Aodhan, Bran, Breccan, Conall, Daire, Darragh, Esker, Faolan, Finnan, Kairon, Kealan, Keegen, Kyllian, Kynan, Lydon, Niam, Riordan, Roarke, Rourke, Ruairi, Shey, Aemon, Aran, Bowan, Cathan, Colm, Conal, Conn, Eann, Ernan, Keanon, Kielan, Konan, Kyian, Laithan, Liahm, Nial, Ossian, Pearse, Sair, Senan
