Keiran is a name of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic word "Ciarán," which means "little dark one." The name has been popular among the Irish for centuries and has since gained international recognition.
The earliest known reference to Keiran can be traced back to a sixth-century Irish monk named Saint Ciarán of Saigir. He was one of the Twelve Apostles of Ireland, responsible for spreading Christianity throughout the country. Due to his influential role in early Irish history, the name Ciarán became popular among the Irish nobility and eventually evolved into its modern form, Keiran.
The popularity of the name Keiran has seen peaks and valleys over time. In the Middle Ages, it was quite common among the Irish elite but fell out of favor during the 18th century due to political unrest and British rule in Ireland. However, the name regained popularity in the late Victorian era as people sought to reconnect with their Irish roots.
Today, Keiran is recognized worldwide and has been adopted by families beyond its Irish origins. It continues to be a popular choice for parents who appreciate its unique sound and historical significance. Despite its meaning of "little dark one," the name Keiran does not exclusively belong to those with darker complexions; it is suitable for any child regardless of physical appearance.
In summary, Keiran is an ancient Irish name with a rich history rooted in early Christian Ireland. Derived from Gaelic words meaning "dark" and associated with notable figures like Saint Ciarán, the name has evolved over centuries to become a recognized and beloved choice worldwide. Its unique sound and historical significance continue to make it appealing for parents seeking distinctive names for their children.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Keiran has seen varied popularity over time in the United States.
From 1998 to 2015, there were a total of 143 babies named Keiran born each year. The years with the highest number of births were 2007 and 2014, both having 18 and 15 births respectively. This suggests that these years were peak periods for the name Keiran.
However, there was a significant drop in popularity between 2009 and 2010, with only 8 births in 2009 and just 5 in 2010. This indicates that during these years, parents may have been favoring different names for their newborns.
Interestingly, from 2011 to 2015, the number of babies named Keiran born each year fluctuated between 7 to 9 births. This suggests a leveling off in popularity, with the name Keiran maintaining a consistent but relatively low level of usage among parents during these years.