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Keiren

Boy name · 32 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Keiren: 32 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to boys, peaking at 8 births in 1995.

Keiren is a Gaelic variant of Ciaran, from the Old Irish *Ciarán*, meaning “little dark one” or “black-haired”—a diminutive of *ciar* (dark). Saint Ciarán of Clonmacnoise, one of Ireland’s Twelve Apostles, founded a famed monastery in the 6th century; another Saint Ciarán of Saighir is considered Ireland’s first-born saint. The spelling Keiren, common in Scotland, shares roots with the placename Kieran in Perthshire. Variations include Kieran, Ciaran, and the feminine Kiera. While less frequent than Kieran, Keiren saw occasional use in modern Scotland, often chosen for its softer sound yet strong Gaelic heritage. The name’s “little dark one” meaning evokes a sense of endearing mystery.