Kiernan

Kiernan is both a given name and a surname of Irish origin. It derives from the Gaelic name Ciarán, meaning “little dark one,” formed from ciar, dark, with the diminutive suffix -án. The spelling Kiernan is a common Anglicized variant of Ciarán and is closely related to other forms such as Kieran and Ciarán.

As a given name, Kiernan is used in Ireland and among the Irish diaspora, and it has been adopted in various English-speaking countries. The name can be found in contemporary naming trends, often alongside its variant spellings.

As a surname, Kiernan has its own lineage, though it remains connected to the same Gaelic roots. One related surname is Ó Ciarnáin, meaning “descendant of Ciarnán,” which reflects a patronymic origin separate from the given-name usage, yet sharing the same root name.

Notable people with Kiernan as a given name include Kiernan Shipka, an American actress known for roles in television and film. Notable people with Kiernan as a surname include Ian Kiernan, an Australian environmentalist recognized for founding Clean Up Australia Day and promoting community-based environmental action.

See also variations of the name, such as Kieran and Ciarán, which reflect the same Gaelic origin and meaning. The forms differ in spelling but share the core linguistic heritage rooted in the old Gaelic name for “little dark one.”