Ciara

♀ Girl

Pronounced KEER-ah /ˈkiːr.ə/Low

Meaning: Dark-haired, dark beautyLow

In 30 seconds: Ciara is a classic Irish name meaning dark or dark-haired from the Gaelic ciar. Saint Ciara of Kilkeary was a 6th-century Irish saint. The name is also familiar through Irish singer Ciara and its phonetic spelling Keira.

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Origin LowIrish Gaelic

MeaningDark-haired, dark beauty

U.S. rank (2025)#1408 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births155 girls (0.01% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2005

Total births (all-time)≈ 34,873

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Ciara comes from the Old Irish ciar meaning black or dark. Saint Ciar of Tipperary was a 5th-6th century Irish saint. The name has been used continuously in Ireland and among the Irish diaspora.

In the United States, Ciara is used both in Irish-heritage families and, because of the popular singer Ciara (born 1985), in African American communities where the pronunciation see-AR-ah is common.

Did you know? In Ireland, Ciara is pronounced KEER-ah, but in many English-speaking countries it is mispronounced see-AR-ah — leading some parents to choose the phonetic spelling Keira or Kira to avoid confusion.

Overall data confidence 90%

Behind the Name: Ciara

Variations

KeiraKiraKyraCiera

Nicknames

CiCee

Famous Bearers

★Ciara (b. 1985)
American R&B and pop singer, songwriter and dancer (born Ciara Princess Harris) known for Goodies and 1, 2 Step

If you like Ciara…

Keira— Phonetic English spelling of same Irish name

Moira— Irish name of similar heritage

Fiona— Irish-inspired name of same era

Niamh— Irish mythological name of same cultural tradition

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Frequently Asked

What does Ciara mean?

Ciara means dark or dark-haired in Irish Gaelic from the Old Irish ciar meaning black.

How do you pronounce Ciara?

In Irish, Ciara is pronounced KEER-ah. In American English influenced by singer Ciara, it is often pronounced see-AR-ah.

Is Ciara an Irish name?

Yes, Ciara is a traditional Irish name with roots in the 5th-6th century.

What names are similar to Ciara?

Similar Irish names include Keira, Moira, Fiona, and Niamh.