Keira is a feminine given name of Irish origin and meaning "dark-haired". It is derived from the Gaelic word "Ciara", which itself comes from the word "ciar" meaning "black" or "dark". In Irish mythology, Ciara was a goddess associated with the moon and the stars.
The name Keira first gained popularity in Ireland during the late Middle Ages. However, it did not spread to other parts of Europe until much later, when Irish immigrants began settling in countries such as England, Scotland, and Australia during the 19th and 20th centuries. Today, Keira is considered a global name, with people bearing this name found all over the world.
One notable bearer of the name Keira was Keira Christina Knightley, born on March 26, 1985 in London, England. She is an acclaimed actress known for her roles in films such as "Pirates of the Caribbean", "Bend It Like Beckham", and "Atonement". Although she is British by nationality, Knightley has Irish ancestry, which may have contributed to her parents choosing the name Keira for her.
In recent years, the name Keira has also gained popularity due to its use in popular culture. For instance, it was the name of a character played by actress Jennifer Connelly in the 2005 film "Dark Water". Additionally, singer-songwriter Ke$ha, born Kesha Rose Sebert on March 1, 1987, uses the stage name Ke$ha, which is a play on her given name Keira.
Overall, Keira is a beautiful and unique feminine given name with an interesting history and cultural significance. Its meaning, "dark-haired", may have contributed to its popularity among parents looking for names that reflect their children's physical characteristics or their personal preferences. Whether chosen for its meaning, cultural significance, or simply because it sounds appealing, the name Keira is sure to be a distinctive choice for any little girl lucky enough to bear it.
"Over the past 60 years, the name Keira has seen significant fluctuations in popularity. It started with a modest 5 births in 1962, but by 2003, it had risen sharply to 433 births. The peak was reached in 2006 and 2008 with over 3000 births each year. However, since then there's been a steady decline, with only 519 births recorded in 2023."