Keira

Keira is a feminine given name. It is commonly regarded as a variant of Ciara, the Irish feminine form of Ciar, meaning “dark-haired” or “black-haired.” The pronunciation in English is typically KEER-ə, though some speakers use KEER-ah or KYE-rah depending on locale. Variants of the name include Ciara, Keira, Kiara, Kiera, and Kyra; these forms share a common origin but differ in spelling and emphasis.

Use and popularity: Keira began to be used more widely in English-speaking countries in the late 20th century. Its appeal is largely attributed to its Gaelic roots and to popular bearers. The name remains common in countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, though popularity by year varies.

Notable people: Keira Knightley (born 1985) is a prominent English actress known for roles in Pride & Prejudice (2005) and the Pirates of the Caribbean films. Other public figures named Keira include television personalities and athletes in various regions; however, Knightley remains the best-known bearer internationally.

Fiction and use: Keira is used for fictional characters in literature and media, sometimes as a modern Anglicization of the Gaelic Ciara in Anglophone works. The name’s spelling variants continue to be chosen for girls around the world.