Keiran in Irish: Ciaran
The Irish form of Keiran is Ciaran, a boy's name meaning “little dark one.” Here’s how to say it, where it comes from, and names that go well with it.
Updated September 2026
- Irish form
- Ciaran
- Meaning
- Little dark one
- Gender
- Boy
How do you say Keiran in Irish?
Keiran in Irish is Ciaran, pronounced KEER-awn. It has two syllables, with the stress on the first. It can also be said KEER-in.
What does Ciaran mean?
Ciaran means “little dark one.” Keiran is one of the English forms of the name.
Read more about Ciaran: its meaning, origin and stories
How popular is Keiran in Ireland?
Keiran wasn't in the 2025 tables, which list names given to at least three babies. It was last recorded in 1998, when 5 baby boys got the name. It was most popular in 1964, when 3 baby boys were named Keiran, No. 232 that year. The most babies got the name in 1998: 5. The records go back to 1964, when 3 baby boys were given the name.
See the numbers by year
| Year | Babies | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 1998 | 5 | No. 280 |
| 1966 | 3 | No. 256 |
| 1965 | 3 | No. 250 |
| 1964 | 3 | No. 232 |
Ciaran in Ogham
Ogham is the oldest way of writing Irish. It was carved along the edges of standing stones, mostly between the 4th and 6th centuries, and read from the bottom up. In later tradition each letter was named after a tree or plant. Here’s Ciaran, letter by letter.
- CColl, hazel
- IIodhadh, yew
- AAilm, pine
- RRuis, elder
- AAilm, pine
- NNion, ash
Write any name in Ogham with our Ogham translator
Names that go with Keiran
Questions about Keiran
- What is Keiran in Irish?
- The Irish form of Keiran is Ciaran, pronounced KEER-awn. Ciaran means “little dark one.”
- How do you pronounce Ciaran?
- Ciaran is pronounced KEER-awn. Two syllables, stress on the first. There's a short video above where you can hear it said.
- Is Keiran a girl's name or a boy's name?
- Keiran is a boy's name.