Keara

Little dark one — Associated with dark-haired individuals
Irish origin · Girl name
3% boys97% girls
#9899US 2024
10Births / yr
Rising
4.7kAll-time births
📅 Since 196900.01% of births at peak
How to pronounce Keara
KE·AR·uh
/ˈkɛ.ˈær.ə/ · stress on KE · 3 syllables
Little dark one
Associated with dark-haired individuals · Irish origin

What does Keara mean and where does it come from?

Keara is derived from the Irish name Ciara (in Irish: 'Ciara'), which means 'little dark one' or 'black-haired'. The name reflects traits commonly associated with dark-haired individuals. Keara has gained popularity in the United States as a modern variation of the traditional Irish name. It embodie

Cultural significance
Keara has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Irish-speaking communities, where it reflects values of little dark one.
Peak popularity
Reached #834 in 1999 — currently #9899 in the US.
🌿
Related Reading
Irish-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →
👶
Middle Names
The best middle names for Keara
Browse ideas →

How popular is Keara right now?

Rising fast — up 832 spots — currently #9899 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 19752024#9899 · Top 7.3%
1975
1980
1985
1990
1995
2000
2005
2010
2015
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
YearUS RankBirthsvs Prior Year
2024#989910▲ up 832 · +11% births
2023#107319▼ down 2456 · -31% births
2022#827513▼ down 15
2021#826013▼ down 1010 · -13% births
2020#725015▼ down 2739 · -52% births
2015#451131▼ down 2493 · -69% births
2010#201899▼ down 820 · -48% births
2005#1198191▼ down 339 · -26% births
2000#859257▲ up 276 · +66% births
1995#1135155▲ up 319 · +44% births
1990#1454108▲ up 711 · +120% births
1985#216549▲ up 1789 · +145% births
1980#395420▼ down 807 · -13% births
1975#314723

The story of Keara

Keara is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1969. With 4,720 total births recorded, Keara remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #3147 in 1975, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #10731 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Keara in 1999:

Keara by decade

Keara peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →

DecadeBirths
1960s7
1970s120
1980s565
1990s1,657
2000s1,940
2010s416
2020s25
💎With 4,720 total births, Keara is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Keara?

Common
KeaKearKearieKeary

Famous people named Keara

K(
Keara (traditional Irish musician)
Keara passed this name through generations of Irish musical tradition.
K(
Keara (Irish saint)
Keara helped spread this name across Ireland and Scotland through the early Christian monastic movement.
K(
Keara (Irish poet or writer)
Keara used this name in the rich tradition of Irish literature and storytelling.
K(
Keara (Irish revolutionary)
Keara carried this name during Ireland's struggle for independence, giving it a spirit of courage.
👑
Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2025
Explore →

Common questions about the name Keara

What does the name Keara mean?
Keara means "Little dark one" — a name rooted in Irish 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 Keara?
Keara is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Keara?
Keara originates from Irish tradition. Irish names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Keara?
Keara is a three-syllable name pronounced KE-AR-uh. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Keara?
Keara pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Irish heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.