Surname Kieran - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'K'
Kieran: What does the surname Kieran mean?
The surname Kieran is of Irish origin and is derived from the Gaelic name "Ciarán." This name is based on the Gaelic word "ciar," which means black or dark. Therefore, Kieran can be translated to mean "little dark one" or "dark-haired" in English. It is important to note that the meaning does not imply a negative connotation and often relates to physical attributes, such as dark hair or a darker complexion. Traditionally in Irish culture, surnames were created to distinguish different generations in families. Therefore, the surname Kieran would likely be given to the offspring of a person named Ciarán. These surnames have evolved over time and are now often treated as first names in many western cultures. The meaning may not always strictly adhere to the original translation due to these changes in usage.
Order DNA origin analysisKieran: Where does the name Kieran come from?
The last name Kieran is of Irish origin. Derived from the Gaelic "Ciarán," it is a diminutive form of "ciar," which means "dark" or "black." Traditionally in Ireland, surnames were created by adding a prefix such as "Ó" or "Mac" to the name of a patriarch or a well-regarded ancestor. Kieran as a surname would thus imply "descendant of Ciarán". It was popular among early Irish saints, the most famous of whom was St. Ciarán of Saigir.
Today, the surname Kieran is found in many English-speaking countries around the world due to the dispersion of the Irish diaspora, but it remains more common in Ireland. It might be found as both a first and a last name. Kieran as a first name is especially popular in England, Ireland, Wales, Scotland, and Australia.
The surname has many variants including Kerin, Kiernan, and Kieren, among others. The name, its variants, and its use as both a first and last name are testament to the broad influence of Irish culture globally.
Variations of the surname Kieran
The surname Kieran is of Irish origin and is derived from the Irish first name Ciarán. This Gaelic name means "dark-haired" or "black" and is traditionally given to boys. You will find a few different spellings and variations of this surname due to regional preferences and phonetic translations. Alternative spellings and variations include Kieron, Kiran, Kyran, Keiran, Ciaran, and Kiernan.
The change of the initial "C" to "K" in many English translations reflects the hard pronunciation of the original Gaelic name. Similarly, "e" and "i" are often swapped or included in variations to maintain a phonetically correct English spelling. In some cases, the ending "an" is amended to "on," or expanded to "nan," reflecting different phonetic interpretations.
As a surname, Kieran is less common but still exists. It is more often found as a given name. Alongside Kieran, Ciaran, and Kiernan are viable surnames too. The name and its variations are widely seen and recognized in Ireland, the UK, and increasingly in the United States and Canada.
Famous people with the name Kieran
- Kieran Culkin: An American actor known for his roles in movies like "Igby Goes Down" and "Scott Pilgrim vs. The World." He is the younger brother of actor Macaulay Culkin.
- Kieran Bew: An English actor best known for his work in British television series like "Da Vinci's Demons" and "Beowulf: Return to the Shieldlands."
- Kieran Hayler: A British actor and former stripper, he gained fame after marrying TV personality Katie Price.
- Kieran Read: A New Zealand rugby union player who captained the All Blacks, the national team.
- Kieran Mulroney: An American actor and screenwriter who has appeared in numerous films and TV series. He is also known for co-writing the screenplay for the action-comedy "Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows."
- Kieran Gibbs: A professional football player who has played for several English clubs and the England national team.
- Kieran O'Brien: An English actor known for his performances in "Cracker" and "24 Hour Party People."
- Kieran McKenna: A Northern Irish professional football coach and former player.
- Kieran Goss: An Irish singer-songwriter, known for folk and pop music.
- Kieran Trippier: An English footballer who plays for Atletico Madrid and the England national team.