Keir is a unique and distinctive male given name of Scottish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic word "Ciar," which means "dark-haired" or "black." The name Keir is believed to have been brought to Scotland by the Irish, who settled there in ancient times.
The name Keir has a long and storied history in Scotland. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name comes from the 12th century, when Keir was a common given name among the Scottish nobility. The most famous bearer of the name was likely Sir Keith Alexander Stewart of Garlies, who fought alongside Robert the Bruce at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314.
In addition to its Scottish roots, the name Keir has also been used in other parts of the British Isles and beyond. In Wales, for example, Keir is sometimes used as a variant spelling of the Welsh name "Cei," which means "handsome." Meanwhile, in Ireland, the name Keir is occasionally used as a diminutive form of the Irish name "Kieran."
Today, Keir remains a relatively uncommon given name, but it has gained some popularity in recent years. In Scotland, for example, the name has been consistently among the top 500 most popular baby names since the mid-2000s. Elsewhere in the world, Keir is also used as a given name, particularly in English-speaking countries such as the United States and Canada.
In summary, Keir is a Scottish male given name of ancient origin that means "dark-haired" or "black." The name has a rich history in Scotland and has been used by notable figures throughout the centuries. While relatively uncommon today, Keir remains a distinctive and appealing choice for parents looking for a unique and meaningful name for their son.
The name Keir has a consistent but modest presence in the United States from 1969 to 1994, with an average of approximately six babies being named Keir each year during this period. The highest number of births recorded for this name was eleven in 1970, while the lowest was five in several years (1977, 1978, and 1984). Overall, there were a total of sixty-four babies named Keir in the United States over these fifteen years.