Ciara

“Dark, black, or black-haired”

Ireland origin · Unisex name

♂ 0% boys♀ 100% girls

#966US 2023

1.2kBirths / yr

→Stable

34kAll-time births

📅 Since 197200.13% of births at peak

What does Ciara mean and where does it come from?

Ciara is an Irish name derived from the Gaelic word 'ciar', meaning 'dark' or 'black'. This name has been popular in Ireland and among Irish diasporas. It is often anglicized as 'Kiera' or 'Keira'. ciara has gained recognition across various cultures, especially due to public figures like Ciara, the

Cultural significance

Ciara has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Ireland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of dark, black, or black-haired.

Peak popularity

Reached #149 in 2005 — currently #966 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Ciara?

Ciara works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Ciara Grace

How popular is Ciara right now?

Holding steady — currently #966 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1975–2023#966 · Top 0.71%

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#966	1,234	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2022	#971	1,214	▲ up 5 · +3% births
2021	#976	1,184	▲ up 238 · +537% births
2020	#1214	186	▼ down 455 · -50% births
2015	#759	372	▼ down 320 · -47% births
2010	#439	699	▼ down 290 · -70% births
2005	#149	2,323	▲ up 133 · +104% births
2000	#282	1,139	▼ down 94 · -28% births
1995	#188	1,586	▲ up 106 · +68% births
1990	#294	944	▲ up 117 · +72% births
1985	#411	549	▲ up 924 · +478% births
1980	#1335	95	▲ up 1543 · +265% births
1975	#2878	26	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Ciara

Best Year2005Rank #149

Peak Count2,323

Average Rank#836

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1975 - 202313 years

The story of Ciara

Ciara is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1972. A total of 33,957 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #2878 in 1975 to #966 in 2023. Ciara is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.

Names that peaked alongside Ciara in 2005:

Emily Emma Madison Abigail Olivia

Ciara by decade

Ciara peaked in the 2000s. See all 2000s names →

Decade	Births
1970s	231
1980s	4,451
1990s ★	13,067
2000s	12,040
2010s	3,982
2020s	186

What are good nicknames for Ciara?

Common

CiaCiarCiarieCiary

What names sound and feel like Ciara?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Ciara also consider these

Ciarra

Ireland · Dark-haired

Ciaran

Ireland · little dark one.

Cieara

Ireland · The female version

Cimara

American · Invented name

Jiara

India · Sanskrit

Kiara

Irish · little, dark one

Ceara

Ireland · dark, black

Cianan

Ireland · Irish

Common questions about the name Ciara

What does the name Ciara mean?

Ciara means "Dark, black, or black-haired" — a name rooted in Ireland tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Ciara?

Ciara is currently ranked #966 as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Ciara?

Ciara originates from Ireland tradition. Ireland names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

Is Ciara a common or rare name?

Ciara is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.

Is Ciara more of a girl or boy name?

Ciara is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.