Keir

Keir is a masculine given name of Scottish origin. It is sometimes regarded as a variant of Kerr or Kier and has been linked to Gaelic ciar, meaning dark or swarthy, though the precise etymology is uncertain. The name has seen steady use in English-speaking countries since the 19th century and remains in use today. In addition to given name usage, Keir also appears as a surname in some families.

Notable people named Keir include Keir Starmer, born in 1962, a British politician who has led the Labour Party since 2020 and previously served as a senior lawyer and public official; Keir Hardie, 1860–1915, a Scottish trade unionist and founder of the Labour Party; Keir Dullea, born in 1936, an American actor known for his role in 2001: A Space Odyssey; and Keir Gilchrist, born in 1992, a Canadian-American actor known for the television series Undeclared and Atypical. The name appears more commonly in the United Kingdom and Commonwealth countries, with occasional use in North America.

In cultural usage, Keir is typically masculine in English-speaking contexts, though naming practices vary by region and era. As with many given names, its popularity has fluctuated over time, influenced by public figures and media appearances.

See also: Kerr, Kier, Keer, and other related given names and surnames that may share etymological roots or phonetic similarity.