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 #10731 in the US.
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Related Reading
Irish-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Keara?
Keara works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Keara Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Keara Rose
Floral · soft ending
Keara Mae
Sweet · timeless
Keara Claire
French influence · crisp
Keara Jane
Literary · strong
Keara Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Keara right now?
Falling — down 2456 spots — currently #10731 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #10731 | 9 | ▼ down 2456 · -31% births |
| 2022 | #8275 | 13 | ▼ down 15 |
| 2021 | #8260 | 13 | ▼ down 1010 · -13% births |
| 2020 | #7250 | 15 | ▼ down 2739 · -52% births |
| 2015 | #4511 | 31 | ▼ down 2493 · -69% births |
| 2010 | #2018 | 99 | ▼ down 820 · -48% births |
| 2005 | #1198 | 191 | ▼ down 339 · -26% births |
| 2000 | #859 | 257 | ▲ up 276 · +66% births |
| 1995 | #1135 | 155 | ▲ up 319 · +44% births |
| 1990 | #1454 | 108 | ▲ up 711 · +120% births |
| 1985 | #2165 | 49 | ▲ up 1789 · +145% births |
| 1980 | #3954 | 20 | ▼ down 807 · -13% births |
| 1975 | #3147 | 23 | — |
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 →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1960s | 7 | |
| 1970s | 120 | |
| 1980s | 565 | |
| 1990s | 1,657 | |
| 2000s ★ | 1,940 | |
| 2010s | 416 | |
| 2020s | 15 | |
💎With 4,720 total births, Keara is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Keara?
Famous people named Keara
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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.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Keara?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Keara also consider these
How is Keara written in other languages?
What are the boy versions of Keara?
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 K EH1 AE1 R AH0. 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.