Kienan is a name of Irish origin, derived from the ancient Irish name Cianán, which means "ancient" or "enduring." The name has a rich history in Irish mythology and folklore.
In Irish legend, Cianán was a prominent figure, often associated with the Tuatha Dé Danann, the mythical race of gods and goddesses in Ireland. He was known for his wisdom, courage, and longevity, attributes that many parents may hope their children will inherit by giving them this name.
The name Kienan has gained popularity in recent years, particularly among English-speaking countries. While it is still considered somewhat unusual, its Irish origins and meaning have contributed to its appeal. It offers a unique opportunity for parents to give their child a name with a strong historical and cultural background.
In terms of pronunciation, the name Kienan is typically pronounced as "KEE-nan." The first syllable is stressed, and the second syllable is short. However, variations in pronunciation may exist depending on regional accents or individual preferences.
Overall, Kienan is an attractive Irish name that carries a sense of history and endurance. Its unique spelling and sound make it distinctive without being overly exotic or difficult to pronounce. For parents looking for a meaningful and memorable name for their child, Kienan offers an appealing option with deep roots in Irish culture and mythology.
The name Kienan has seen varied popularity over the years in the United States, as reflected in the birth statistics provided.
In the early 1980s, the name saw a modest start with five births each in 1982 and 1984. However, it began to gain traction in the late 1980s and early 1990s, reaching its peak popularity in 1994 with 19 births that year.
The name's popularity continued to fluctuate throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s. It reached another peak in 2002 with 14 births but then declined steadily until 2006, where it saw a brief resurgence with seven births that year.
After 2006, the name's popularity seemed to wane once more, with fewer than ten births annually between 2007 and 2015. However, there was another small spike in 2014 with 11 births.
In recent years, from 2016 to 2019, the name's popularity has continued to fluctuate, but it remains a relatively uncommon name overall, with fewer than ten births annually.
Overall, while Kienan has not been one of the most popular names in the United States over the past four decades, it has enjoyed periods of relative popularity, particularly in the late 1980s and early to mid-1990s. With a total of 311 births since 1982, Kienan remains a unique and distinctive name choice for parents looking for something less common.