Ciaran

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Ciarán

Gender: Masculine
Language: Irish Gaelic
Etymology:
Ciarán is an Irish Gaelic name meaning “Little Dark One.”

History:
Ciaran (or Kieran) was an early Irish nam (originally a nickname for a dark-haired person) that died out by the early Middle Ages. As a saint’s name, it was probably considered too holy for everyday use. It was replaced with names like “Gilla Ciaran” or “Mael Ciaran” meaning “Devoted to St. Ciaran” and “Servant of St. Ciaran.”

The original name Ciarán has been revived in 20th century Ireland, and in the United States, to a small degree.

Pronunciation: kee-a-rawn, kee-ran.

Alternates: Ciaren, Kiaran, Kieren, Kieran, Kieron, Keiran, Kyran.
Latin: Queranus.

Feminine: Ciara.

Famous Bearers:
Religious Figures:
Saint Kieran Saighir (-530)
A bishop of Ossory.
Saint Ciaran of Clonmacnoise (Kieran the Younger) (516-549)
A promoter of monasticism in Ireland.

Singers and Entertainers:
Kieran Culkin (1982-)
American child actor.

Popularity:
Percentage from the 1990 U.S. Census:
less than 0.004 % of males forenamed Ciaran, Kieran, etc.

Popularity of Ciaran:
Popularity (for newborns):
In the United States...
1880-2004: N/A

In Ireland...
1998: 24th most popular.
1999: 30th most popular.
2000: 23rd most popular.
2001: 25th most popular.
2002: 28th most popular.
2003: 30th most popular.

Popularity of Kieran:
Popularity (for newborns):
In the United States...
1900-1991: N/A
1992: 974th most popular.
1993: 753rd most popular.
1994: 683rd most popular.
1995: 634th most popular.
1996: 609th most popular.
1997: 633rd most popular.
1998: 616th most popular.
1999: 599th most popular.
2000: 528th most popular.
2001: 535th most popular.
2002: 554th most popular.
2003: 535th most popular.
2004: 545th most popular.

In Ireland...
1998: 67th most popular.
1999: 73rd most popular.
2000: 60th most popular.
2001: 72nd most popular.
2002: 69th most popular.
2003: 72nd most popular.

Selected Sources:
A Dictionary of First Names by Hanks and Hodges, 1990.

The Academy of St. Gabriel, (www.s-gabriel.org) - Has lots of lovely information and articles on medieval names and medieval practices.

The Social Security Administration Actuarial Note 139 - For popularity stats 1880-Present
The 1880 U.S. Census- For popularity stats 1850-1880