Ciarán is a unique and intriguing Irish name with a rich history and meaning. Derived from the old Gaelic word "ciar," which means "dark" or "black," Ciarán is often associated with the color black and darkness.
The name gained prominence through its connection to Saint Ciarán of Clonmacnoise, who was a prominent figure in early Irish Christianity. Born around 512 AD, Saint Ciarán founded the famous monastic settlement at Clonmacnoise in County Offaly. He was renowned for his learning and piety, and his name became synonymous with wisdom and holiness.
In Irish mythology, there is also a hero named Ciarán who appears in the story of the Fianna, a band of legendary warriors led by Finn Mac Cumhaill. This Ciarán is portrayed as a skilled warrior and poet, further adding to the prestige of the name.
Throughout history, Ciarán has been used as a given name for boys in Ireland and among Irish communities around the world. Today, it remains a popular choice for parents seeking a distinctive and meaningful name for their sons.
In summary, Ciarán is an ancient Irish name with a strong historical and cultural significance. It is associated with darkness, wisdom, holiness, and heroism, making it a powerful and intriguing choice for a boy's name.
The statistics provided show the number of babies named Ciaran born in the United States each year from 1971 to 2008. During this period, there was a total of 30 births with the name Ciaran.
Interestingly, the name's popularity varied significantly throughout these years. In fact, it experienced two periods of peak popularity during which seven babies were named Ciaran in both 1971 and 1997. On the other hand, there was also a period when the name became less popular with only five births each year from 2003 to 2004.
However, it appears that the popularity of the name Ciaran rebounded slightly in 2008 with six births recorded that year. These statistics demonstrate how the popularity of names can fluctuate over time and reveal some insights into the trends surrounding the name Ciaran during this specific period.