Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Kiera
GirlIrish· “dark”
- Meaning
- dark
- Origin
- Irish
- Pronunciation
- KEER-uh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #1,097
- US babies 2025
- 219
- Best rank
- #293 (2007)
- Peak year
- 2007
Meaning and origin of Kiera
Kiera is an Irish name that means “dark”.
Kiera is an anglicized spelling of the Irish Ciara, from ciar, "dark" or "black", probably describing dark hair. It is the feminine counterpart of Kieran and Ciarán. The spelling Keira became especially well known through actress Keira Knightley, and Kiera, Kira and Kyra are closely related forms, although Kira and Kyra can also have other origins. The name spread widely in the English-speaking world in recent decades. It is pronounced KEER-uh and sounds soft, crisp and friendly. It keeps a clear Irish connection while being easy to spell and say.
Popularity over time
Kiera first appears in US Social Security records in 1963. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 35 different years, starting in 1988. Its best national rank was #293 in 2007, the same year it reached its highest count of 1,147 babies. In 2025, 219 babies were named Kiera, and it ranked #1,097 nationally. That is 51% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #2,462 in 1980, #444 in 2000, #415 in 2010, and #1,097 in 2025. Of the 21,851 US girls named Kiera since records began, 39% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 1990s come next, with 5,381 babies. Since 2010, 6,125 more have been named Kiera.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Kimora, Madalyn, Anahi, Madilyn, and Daniella.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Kiera ranked highest in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | #412 | 14 |
| Connecticut | #428 | 7 |
| New York | #524 | 32 |
| Wisconsin | #667 | 7 |
| Pennsylvania | #671 | 15 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Kiera is usually pronounced KEER-uh, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with K and ends in “-ra”.
Middle names for Kiera
A few middle names that flow with Kiera: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Kiera
Similar names
Ciara Girl
see-EHR-uh
“dark” · Irish
#1,408
Cara Girl
KAHR-uh
“friend; dear” · Irish
#1,326
Dara Girl
DAR-uh
“several origins; oak (Irish)” · Irish
#1,129
Siara Girl
see-AIR-uh
“variant of Ciara, "dark"” · Irish
#2,406
Nora Girl
NOR-uh
“honor; short form of Eleanor or Honora” · Irish
#20
Keira Girl
KEER-uh
“little dark one (from Ciara)” · Irish
#622
Kiara Girl
kee-AR-uh
“bright, clear; or dark” · Italian
#229
Maura Girl
MAW-ruh
“uncertain; Irish name or dark” · Irish
#1,640
Moira Girl
MOY-ruh
“Irish form of Mary; also Greek fate” · Irish
#2,047
Kara Girl
KEHR-uh
“dear, beloved” · Latin
#1,075
Tara Girl
TAIR-uh
“hill; also star” · Irish
#847
Mayra Girl
MY-ruh
Spanish
#2,168
Lists that include Kiera
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Kiera mean?
Kiera is an Irish name that means “dark”.
What is the origin of the name Kiera?
Kiera has Irish roots. Kiera is an anglicized spelling of the Irish Ciara, from ciar, "dark" or "black", probably describing dark hair.
Is Kiera a popular name?
Not especially. Kiera ranked #1,097 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Kiera a boy or girl name?
Kiera is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Kiera?
Kiera 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