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Kiernan

Unisex

Meaning of Kiernan: Irish: 'little dark one'

Kiernan is a unisex name most strongly associated with Irish naming. It has 7 letters and 2 syllables, and it is familiar but far from overused — 2838th most popular name in the United States in 2025.

US rank 2025

#2838

43 babies in 2025

England & Wales 2024

—

Fewer than 3 babies or unlisted

US babies since 1880

2,448

First recorded 1957 · peak 2008

Trend

falling

Style: uncommon

Popularity over time

1981: 7 babies1982: 20 babies1983: 10 babies1984: 8 babies1985: 15 babies1986: 7 babies1987: 22 babies1988: 17 babies1989: 14 babies1990: 16 babies19901991: 33 babies1992: 29 babies1993: 48 babies1994: 52 babies1995: 49 babies1996: 72 babies1997: 57 babies1998: 59 babies1999: 74 babies2000: 92 babies20002001: 88 babies2002: 101 babies2003: 94 babies2004: 75 babies2005: 84 babies2006: 65 babies2007: 87 babies2008: 104 babies2009: 89 babies2010: 96 babies20102011: 74 babies2012: 52 babies2013: 50 babies2014: 56 babies2015: 51 babies2016: 45 babies2017: 79 babies2018: 62 babies2019: 58 babies2020: 54 babies20202021: 58 babies2022: 45 babies2023: 41 babies2024: 45 babies2025: 43 babies
US babies named Kiernan per year (Social Security Administration). Peak bar = 104.

Gender split

72% boys · 28% girls, based on US, UK and international usage.

Origins & cultures

More Irish names

Other names starting with K