Kieran, of Irish origin, is derived from the Gaelic word "Ciarán," which means "little dark one." It has gained popularity as a boy's name in recent years due to its unique sound and spelling. Pronounced as KEE-ran, it rolls off the tongue with a certain rhythm, making it appealing for parents seeking an uncommon yet catchy name. Kieran is also associated with St. Ciarán of Saigir, a fifth-century Irish saint known for his wisdom and holiness, further adding to its cultural significance.
The name Kieran experienced a significant surge in popularity from the late 1990s onwards, with a notable peak between 1994 and 1996 when it was among the top 50 names for boys each year. This trend continued into the early 2000s, with over 50 births per year occurring annually from 2000 to 2007. However, since then, its popularity has steadily declined, with fewer than 30 births occurring each year since 2014 and just 8 births recorded in 2021. Overall, the name Kieran has been given to 1583 boys over the period of these statistics (1949-2023).