Kiernan

The Meaning & Origin of the Name Kiernan

Gender Boy
Origin Celtic
Letters 7
Syllables 2
Pronunciation Kee-ern-an

Kiernan, which has 7 letters and 2 syllables, is a male name of Celtic origin.

Meaning of Kiernan

Small one from the past

Kiernan is a Gaelic name meaning "little dark one" or "dark haired one". It is the Anglicized version of the Irish name Ciarán, which is derived from the old Irish word ciar, meaning "black".

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Meaning Small one from the past
Origin Celtic
Gender Boy
Rarity (US) Rare (Not in top 1000)

Background & History of The Name Kiernan

The name Kiernan is of Irish origin and is derived from the Gaelic name "Ciarán." It is typically a male given name, although it can also be used as a surname. The name has a rich history and carries significant cultural and historical connotations.

In Irish, "Ciarán" means "dark-haired" or "black-haired," from the words "ciar" meaning "black" or "dark" and "rían" meaning "hair." The name is associated with Saint Ciarán of Clonmacnoise, one of the Twelve Apostles of Ireland and the founder of the monastery at Clonmacnoise in the 6th century.

Kiernan has variations across different countries and cultures. In addition to its Irish roots, it is also commonly used as a given name in Scotland and is sometimes spelled as Kieran or Keirnan. The name has gained popularity outside of Ireland, particularly in English-speaking countries, as a result of its distinctive sound and appealing meaning.

People with the name Kiernan are often described as intelligent, creative, and independent individuals. They tend to possess a strong sense of self and are known for their leadership qualities. Kiernans are natural problem solvers, often thriving in challenging situations. They have a natural curiosity and a love for learning, making them excellent students and researchers.

Notable individuals with the name Kiernan include Kiernan Shipka, an American actress known for her role as Sally Draper in the television series Mad Men, and Kiernan Brennan Shipka, an American politician who served as the United States Deputy Secretary of State from 2019 to 2021.

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