Kiaran

Irish
"little black-haired one"

Kiaran Origin and Meaning

The name Kiaran is a girl's name.

Kiaran as a feminine name represents an unusual gender crossover, as it's traditionally a masculine Irish name derived from Ciarán (meaning 'little dark one' or 'dark-haired'). The name stems from the Irish word 'ciar' meaning 'dark' with the diminutive suffix. While primarily used for boys in Ireland, the feminine usage likely emerged as parents sought distinctive K-names for girls. This gender adaptation follows patterns similar to names like Kieran/Kieron that have occasionally crossed gender lines. The spelling with a 'K' rather than the traditional Irish 'C' makes it more accessible in English-speaking countries. As a feminine name, Kiaran offers a strong, distinctive choice with Celtic heritage. Its rarity for girls gives it a unique quality while still providing traditional Irish cultural connections.