Declining since 1996, #3,342 for girls today.
Popularity of Kierra since 1975
Babies named Kierra per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 25 |
| 1980s | 1,221 |
| 1990s | 7,469 |
| 2000s | 5,188 |
| 2010s | 1,479 |
| 2020s | 282 |
Meaning & origin
Kierra is a modern American coinage that first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1975, reflecting a broader trend of creative respellings of traditional Irish names. Its peak came in 1995, when it ranked highest in popularity, before beginning a steady decline since 1996. By 2025, it had fallen to rank 3,342, with about 1 in 34,941 newborns carrying the name, making it an uncommon choice. The name has been most popular in Pennsylvania and Illinois, suggesting regional appeal. Kierra serves as a phonetic adaptation of the Irish Ciara, itself a feminine form of Ciarán, meaning 'little dark one.' While its usage has waned, it remains a recognizable option within the family of 'K' names that flourished in the late 20th century.
Kierra is a modern American name that emerged in the 1970s, likely a respelling of the Irish name Ciara, meaning 'little dark one.' It also functions as a feminine form of Kieran, from the Old Irish Ciarán, a diminutive of ciar ('dark' or 'black'). The spelling Kierra gained popularity in the United States during the 1990s, following trends for names beginning with 'K' and ending in '-a.'
Where Kierra is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Kiki, Kier, Kia
Sibling names for Kierra
Names that share Kierra's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Brianna, Mackenzie, Megan, Tierra, Jordyn, Kandra, Dierra, Kalissa, Kaneshia, Marriah, Teirra, Tomekia, Cyerra, Lakeia, Latravia, Nykeria, Tenecia, Beyonka, Kyndell, Ladaja, Laporche, Laquasia, Tamirra, Tykerria
Brothers: Keegan, Dylan, Brendan, Kyle, Sean, Derrion, Dontrell, Artavious, Markese, Quintavious, Antwoine, Dontray, Levonte, Marquavius, Tashon, Daquane, Derreon, Jadarrius, Jahquez, Kemontae, Ladarrion, Latravious
Names like Kierra
Names whose popularity has moved with Kierra's over the last 50 years.
