Rising since 1987, #389 for boys today.
Popularity of Kieran since 1918
Babies named Kieran per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1910s | 0 | 8 |
| 1920s | 0 | 38 |
| 1930s | 0 | 48 |
| 1940s | 5 | 81 |
| 1950s | 11 | 222 |
| 1960s | 49 | 374 |
| 1970s | 59 | 415 |
| 1980s | 119 | 610 |
| 1990s | 327 | 2,177 |
| 2000s | 591 | 4,412 |
| 2010s | 341 | 5,282 |
| 2020s | 103 | 3,946 |
Meaning & origin
Kieran, an Irish name meaning 'little dark one', has a long history rooted in early Irish sainthood. First recorded in U.S. data in 1918, the name saw a resurgence beginning in the late 20th century. It reached its highest rank of 389 in 2025, with 1 in 2,091 boys receiving the name that year. Kieran is especially popular in South Dakota, Idaho, and Connecticut. Its steady rise since 1987 reflects a broader trend of Irish names gaining favor among parents seeking culturally rich yet accessible options.
Kieran is the English form of the Irish name Ciarán, derived from the Old Irish word 'ciar' meaning 'dark'. It was traditionally given to children with dark hair or complexion. The name has been borne by several early Irish saints, including Saint Ciarán of Clonmacnoise, a key figure in 6th-century Irish monasticism. After centuries of use in Ireland, Kieran gained popularity in English-speaking countries through Irish immigration and cultural exchange.
Where Kieran is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Kieran” around the world
Where Kieran lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
30
babies in 2024
Ireland
11
babies in 2025
Quebec
6
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Kier, Keke, Kierzy
Sibling names for Kieran
Names that share Kieran's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Aoife, Niamh, Maeve, Siobhan, Roisin, Brigette, Darby, Deidra, Delaney, Shavon, Shay, Shea, Sheridan, Ceara, Coreen, Corrin, Delany, Diedra, Diedre, Hennessy, Karisa, Keena, Kenadie, Keren, Kerrigan, Kyara, Reegan, Seana, Shela, Sinead, Taegan, Teagen, Darbie, Darra, Dayleen, Duana, Faryn, Karrigan, Kerigan, Kesia, Korinna, Laryn, Leesha, Madigan, Mckinnley, Mikela, Neala, Niva, Ragen, Reghan, Rowynn, Saleena, Shanea, Tiegan, Ashleen, Ashlinn, Aslynn, Brennah, Cearra, Chivon, Connelly, Darrah, Desree, Dierdra, Edana, Jakera, Karenna, Kearney, Kerilyn, Kerina, Kierah, Koleen, Meeghan, Meleena, Nealy, Oria, Pegeen, Sareen, Shevon, Tamina, Tarra, Torryn, Abiageal, Allahna, Arnisha, Branna, Breane, Breuna, Brynnan, Cait, Caran, Careen, Carrah, Cheila, Devri, Ethne, Farin, Jowana, Keelia, Kennetta, Keriana, Kileen, Kolbee, Korianna, Kyriana, Lennan, Lochlyn, Meaghen, Mikeria, Reganne, Rotha, Sarin, Shanira, Shevaun, Shivon, Tahra, Talullah
Brothers: Declan, Finn, Ronan, Conor, Liam, Aidyn, Brendan, Brennen, Broderick, Callahan, Desmond, Donn, Donovan, Doran, Eamon, Egan, Gannon, Keegan, Madden, Nevin, Nigel, Oren, Rowen, Torin, Brendyn, Breon, Conley, Connell, Devlin, Dezmond, Donavin, Garvin, Kennan, Koren, Lochlan, Oshea, Quinlan, Rogan, Tully, Brenan, Carrell, Conlan, Cullin, Curran, Damin, Derrian, Donoven, Donovin, Donovon, Dugan, Farrel, Ferrel, Garron, Jevan, Kaelen, Kameran, Keigan, Keron, Kierre, Malachy, Mannix, Miran, Nevan, Rockne, Shamon, Tarin, Terrian, Torrian, Varian, Arrion, Breccan, Cailan, Caven, Caylon, Colan, Conall, Conlin, Coren, Corian, Gleason, Jarian, Jerran, Joren, Kairen, Keagon, Keelen, Kerron, Kevaughn, Keynan, Khyrin, Kyel, Kyreese, Leary, Lenon, Lydon, Macallister, Macauley, Mclean, Obrien, Quillan, Quinlin, Quintan, Rafferty, Romyn, Rourke, Tighe, Toryn, Caulin, Deaken, Desman, Donevan, Macrae, Meric, Bohannon, Brannen, Broghan, Bryne, Calahan, Calihan, Cathan, Conroy, Cormick, Coyle, Cullan, Dempsy, Donovyn, Dorin, Gaelen, Jaran, Jaryan, Kallahan, Keanen, Kelsen, Kelvyn, Kendriel, Khyron, Kie, Kielan, Maurya, Mccauley, Ranen, Rydan, Tarl
Names like Kieran
Names whose popularity has moved with Kieran's over the last 50 years.
