Kian is a name of Irish origin, derived from the ancient Irish name Cían. The name Cían is believed to have been borne by several early Irish kings and warriors, including Cían mac Dáire, who was a king of Munster in the 5th century AD.
The meaning of Kian is not entirely clear, as it is thought to be derived from an old Irish word that has not survived into modern times. However, some sources suggest that it may mean "ancient" or "enduring," which could reflect the name's association with the ancient kings and warriors who bore it.
Kian was popular in Ireland for many centuries but fell out of favor in the Middle Ages. It was not until the late 20th century that it began to be used again, particularly as a boy's name. Today, Kian is a popular choice among parents looking for a unique and meaningful name for their sons.
Despite its Irish origins, Kian has become popular around the world in recent years. In fact, it was the second most popular boys' name in Australia in 2019, as well as being popular in other English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
Overall, Kian is a strong and distinctive name with a rich history and an unclear but potentially meaningful meaning. Its Irish origins give it a certain cachet, while its modern popularity makes it a great choice for parents looking for a name that is both traditional and trendy.
The name Kian has seen significant growth in popularity since the 1970s, with a steady increase from around 5-12 births per year until the late 1980s. The name started to gain substantial traction in the early 1990s, with over 40 births recorded annually between 1993 and 2000. This trend continued into the new millennium, with over 160 births per year from 2000 onwards. The peak popularity of the name Kian was reached in recent years, with over 730 births recorded in both 2022 and 2023. In total, there have been 11884 births of the name Kian since 1970.