Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Keira
GirlIrish· “little dark one (from Ciara)”
- Meaning
- little dark one (from Ciara)
- Origin
- Irish
- Pronunciation
- KEER-uh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #622
- US babies 2025
- 469
- Best rank
- #110 (2006)
- Peak year
- 2006
Meaning and origin of Keira
Keira is an Irish name that means “little dark one (from Ciara)”.
Keira is an anglicized form of the Irish name Ciara, from ciar, meaning dark, often explained as little dark one. Saint Ciara was an Irish abbess. The spelling Keira gained worldwide attention through actress Keira Knightley. The name feels bright and fresh, with a crisp two-syllable sound. Variations include Kiera and Ciara, while Kira is a look-alike with separate roots. Keira is easy to spell and pronounce, and it feels at home in both Ireland and the United States. It pairs well with both classic and modern middle names.
Popularity over time
Keira first appears in US Social Security records in 1962. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 26 different years, starting in 2000. Its best national rank was #110 in 2006, the same year it reached its highest count of 3,022 babies. In 2025, 469 babies were named Keira, and it ranked #622 nationally. That is 64% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #2,827 in 1980, #945 in 2000, #165 in 2010, and #622 in 2025. Of the 33,836 US girls named Keira since records began, 43% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 13,440 babies. Since 2010, 16,831 more have been named Keira.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Daniela, Adriana, Alondra, Jayla, and Giselle.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Keira ranked highest in Massachusetts, Oregon, and California.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | #193 | 29 |
| Oregon | #338 | 11 |
| California | #343 | 95 |
| Pennsylvania | #407 | 27 |
| New Jersey | #412 | 19 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Keira is usually pronounced KEER-uh, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with K and ends in “-ra”.
Middle names for Keira
A few middle names that flow with Keira: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Keira
Similar names
Kiara Girl
kee-AR-uh
“bright, clear; or dark” · Italian
#229
Nora Girl
NOR-uh
“honor; short form of Eleanor or Honora” · Irish
#20
Kiera Girl
KEER-uh
“dark” · Irish
#1,097
Ciara Girl
see-EHR-uh
“dark” · Irish
#1,408
Cara Girl
KAHR-uh
“friend; dear” · Irish
#1,326
Tara Girl
TAIR-uh
“hill; also star” · Irish
#847
Dara Girl
DAR-uh
“several origins; oak (Irish)” · Irish
#1,129
Siara Girl
see-AIR-uh
“variant of Ciara, "dark"” · Irish
#2,406
Cora Girl
KAW-ruh
“maiden” · Greek
#113
Sara Girl
SEH-ruh
“princess” · Hebrew
#198
Kira Girl
KEER-uh
“lady; feminine of Kyros” · Russian
#385
Kendra Girl
KEHN-druh
“modern; possibly feminine of Kendrick” · English
#849
Lists that include Keira
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Keira mean?
Keira is an Irish name that means “little dark one (from Ciara)”.
What is the origin of the name Keira?
Keira has Irish roots. Keira is an anglicized form of the Irish name Ciara, from ciar, meaning dark, often explained as little dark one.
Is Keira a popular name?
Yes. Keira ranked #622 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Keira a boy or girl name?
Keira is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Keira?
Keira is usually pronounced KEER-uh. 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