What does Keira mean and where does it come from?
Keira has both Irish and Scottish roots and has become increasingly popular in English-speaking countries. The name has historical variations in spelling, including Ciara. It gained significant popularity in the 21st century, largely due to the rise of notable actresses such as Keira Knightley. The
Cultural significance
Keira has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Irish-speaking communities, where it reflects values of derived from the irish name 'ciara,' meaning 'dark' or 'black', related to 'sióg' meaning 'fairy'..
Peak popularity
Reached #110 in 2006 — currently #622 in the US.
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Related Reading
Irish-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Keira?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Keira?
Keira works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Keira Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Keira Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Keira Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Keira Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Keira Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Keira Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Keira right now?
Declining — down 17 spots — currently #622 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #622 | 469 | ▼ down 17 · -5% births |
| 2024 | #605 | 496 | ▼ down 39 · -5% births |
| 2023 | #566 | 524 | ▼ down 30 · -9% births |
| 2022 | #536 | 577 | ▼ down 64 · -13% births |
| 2021 | #472 | 662 | ▼ down 8 |
| 2020 | #464 | 661 | ▼ down 219 · -50% births |
| 2015 | #245 | 1,311 | ▼ down 80 · -30% births |
| 2010 | #165 | 1,860 | ▲ up 67 · +27% births |
| 2005 | #232 | 1,467 | ▲ up 718 · +552% births |
| 2000 | #950 | 225 | ▲ up 538 · +110% births |
| 1995 | #1488 | 107 | ▲ up 237 · +26% births |
| 1990 | #1725 | 85 | ▼ down 307 · -6% births |
| 1985 | #1418 | 90 | ▲ up 1361 · +173% births |
| 1980 | #2779 | 33 | ▼ down 1266 · -51% births |
| 1975 | #1513 | 68 | — |
The story of Keira
Keira is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1962. A total of 31,083 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4197 in 1965 to #566 in 2023. Keira is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Keira in 2006:
Keira by decade
Keira peaked in the 2000s. See all 2000s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1960s | 99 | |
| 1970s | 360 | |
| 1980s | 637 | |
| 1990s | 1,390 | |
| 2000s ★ | 14,520 | |
| 2010s | 13,416 | |
| 2020s | 1,626 | |
What are good nicknames for Keira?
Famous people named Keira
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Keira (Celtic chieftain)
Keira bore this name in ancient Ireland, where it connected to the Gaelic oral tradition.
K(
Keira (Irish poet or writer)
Keira used this name in the rich tradition of Irish literature and storytelling.
K(
Keira (Irish revolutionary)
Keira carried this name during Ireland's struggle for independence, giving it a spirit of courage.
K(
Keira (traditional Irish musician)
Keira passed this name through generations of Irish musical tradition.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2025
Explore →What names sound and feel like Keira?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Keira also consider these
How is Keira written in other languages?
What are the boy versions of Keira?
Common questions about the name Keira
What does the name Keira mean?
Keira means "Derived from the Irish name 'Ciara,' meaning 'dark' or 'black', related to 'sióg' meaning 'fairy'." — 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 Keira?
Keira is currently ranked #566 as a baby 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 Keira?
Keira 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 Keira?
Keira is a four-syllable name pronounced KE-EYE-ruh. 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 Keira?
Keira 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.