Ciaran

Ciarán is a masculine given name of Irish origin. It derives from the Gaelic ciar, meaning "dark" or "black," with the diminutive suffix -án, yielding the meaning "little dark one" or "little black-haired one." Common Anglicized spellings include Kieran, Kiernan, Keiran, and Cieran, while Irish spellings such as Ciáran and Ciarán are widely used.

Historically, the name is associated with Saint Ciarán of Clonmacnoise, who founded Clonmacnoise in the mid-6th century and became a prominent figure in early Irish Christianity. The saint’s prominence helped sustain the name’s use in Ireland through the medieval period and into modern times.

In contemporary usage, Ciarán remains common in Ireland and among the Irish diaspora. Notable bearers include the actor Ciarán Hinds and the Irish Gaelic footballer Ciarán Kilkenny. The name has also spread to other English-speaking countries, typically in its various Anglicized forms.

Notes on variations and reception: the name is primarily a given name, and while rare, it can appear as a surname in historical records. The feminine form related to the same root is Ciara. Pronunciation and spelling vary by language and region, reflecting both Irish phonology and anglophone adaptations.