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Kieren
Pronounced KEER-ən /ˈkir.ən/High
Meaning: An -en spelling of Kieran — from the Irish Ciarán, 'a little dark one; black-haired' (ciar, 'dark, black', plus a diminutive)Medium
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
Kieren is an -en spelling of Kieran — from the Irish Ciarán, 'a little dark one; black-haired' (ciar, 'dark, black', plus a diminutive). Borne by several early Irish saints (St Ciarán of Clonmacnoise). A crisp, classic Irish name; the -en styling personalizes it (nickname Kier).
It registers thinly beside Kieran. Rare in this spelling, a-little-dark-one at the root, and classic.
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Kieren mean?
Kieren spells Kieran — Irish 'a little dark one; black-haired'.
How do you pronounce Kieren?
It's said KEER-ən /ˈkir.ən/ — two syllables, stress on the first.
Is Kieren a boy or girl name?
Kieren is a boy's name.
How popular is Kieren?
Kieren is a rare spelling in the U.S.; Kieran is more common.