Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Ciaran
BoyIrish· “little dark one”
- Meaning
- little dark one
- Origin
- Irish
- Pronunciation
- KEER-uhn
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #1,609
- US babies 2025
- 105
- Best rank
- #1,609 (2025)
- Peak year
- 2025
Meaning and origin of Ciaran
Ciaran is an Irish name that means “little dark one”.
Ciaran comes from the Irish Ciarán, from ciar, dark or black, with a diminutive ending, so it means little dark one, probably in reference to hair or complexion. Several early Irish saints bore the name, most notably Saint Ciarán of Clonmacnoise, who founded the great monastery on the Shannon, and Saint Ciarán of Saighir. The name has remained a steady favorite in Ireland and among the Irish abroad. It is said KEER-uhn. The anglicized form Kieran is more common outside Ireland, and Ciara is a related feminine name.
Popularity over time
Ciaran first appears in US Social Security records in 1959. It has never ranked in the national top 1,000, which keeps it genuinely uncommon. It is at its all-time high right now: 2025 brought both its best national rank, #1,609, and its highest count, 105 babies. Use has grown 42% in ten years.
Its national rank moved from #2,341 in 2000, #2,149 in 2010, and #1,609 in 2025. Of the 2,198 US boys named Ciaran since records began, 31% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 609 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Aram, Valen, Yusef, Mamadou, and Amin.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Ciaran ranked highest in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Oregon.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | #479 | 10 |
| Connecticut | #507 | 5 |
| Oregon | #630 | 5 |
| Maryland | #640 | 7 |
| Illinois | #950 | 8 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 99% of US babies named Ciaran over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Ciaran is usually pronounced KEER-uhn, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with C and ends in “-an”.
Middle names for Ciaran
A few middle names that flow with Ciaran: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Ciaran
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Lists that include Ciaran
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Ciaran mean?
Ciaran is an Irish name that means “little dark one”.
What is the origin of the name Ciaran?
Ciaran has Irish roots. Ciaran comes from the Irish Ciarán, from ciar, dark or black, with a diminutive ending, so it means little dark one, probably in reference to hair or complexion.
Is Ciaran a popular name?
Not especially. Ciaran ranked #1,609 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Ciaran a boy or girl name?
Ciaran is mainly a boy's name. About 99% of US babies named Ciaran over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Ciaran?
Ciaran is usually pronounced KEER-uhn. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings