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HomeBaby Names DirectoryKeiran

Keiran

♂ Boy

Pronounced KEER-ən /ˈkɪr.ən/High

Meaning: -ei- spelling of Kieran — from Irish Ciaran, 'little dark one; black-haired' (from ciar, 'black, dark')Medium

In 30 seconds: The little dark one: Keiran spells Kieran — 'little dark one; black-haired'. Crisp, soft, and warm (St Ciaran).
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Origin MediumIrish
Meaning-ei- spelling of Kieran — from Irish Ciaran, 'little dark one; black-haired' (from ciar, 'black, dark')
U.S. rank (2024)#5145 ↗ Rising
2024 U.S. births19 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2011
Total births (all-time)≈ 1,027

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 201119892024

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

Keiran is an -ei- spelling of Kieran — from the Irish Ciaran, 'little dark one; black-haired' (from ciar, 'black, dark'; St Ciaran, a founder of Irish monasticism). A crisp, soft, classic Irish name; the -ei- styling personalizes it.

It registers thinly beside Kieran. Rare, little-dark-one at the root, and soft.

Did you know? Kieran (Irish Ciaran, 'little dark one', from ciar, 'black') was an early Irish saint — Keiran is an -ei- spelling; crisp and soft.
Overall data confidence 75%
Behind the Name — Kieran — root etymology

Variations

KieranCiaranKeiren

Nicknames

Kier

Famous Bearers

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If you like Keiran…

Kieran— the standard spelling
Ciaran— the Irish spelling
Kyran— another spelling
Keenan— shares the -an ending
Kilyan— the same saint feel

Explore names like Keiran

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Keiran mean?

Keiran spells Kieran — Irish 'little dark one; black-haired'.

How do you pronounce Keiran?

It's said KEER-ən /ˈkɪr.ən/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Keiran a boy or girl name?

Keiran is a boy's name.

How popular is Keiran?

Keiran is a rare spelling in the U.S.; Kieran is more common.

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