What does Keirah mean and where does it come from?
Keirah is a modern variation of the Irish name Ciara (Ciar), meaning 'dark' or 'black'. The name has Celtic roots and symbolizes nobility and strength. While traditional forms have been used for centuries, variations like Keirah gained popularity in the late 20th century, especially in English-speak
Cultural significance
Keirah has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Irish-speaking communities, where it reflects values of dark”, “black.
Peak popularity
Reached #4724 in 2013 — currently #12799 in the US.
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Related Reading
Irish-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Keirah?
Keirah works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Keirah Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Keirah Rose
Floral · soft ending
Keirah Mae
Sweet · timeless
Keirah Claire
French influence · crisp
Keirah Jane
Literary · strong
Keirah Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Keirah right now?
Rising fast — up 107 spots — currently #12799 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #12799 | 7 | ▲ up 107 |
| 2022 | #12906 | 7 | ▼ down 2364 · -22% births |
| 2020 | #10542 | 9 | ▼ down 2724 · -40% births |
| 2015 | #7818 | 15 | ▼ down 2112 · -37% births |
| 2010 | #5706 | 24 | ▼ down 143 · +4% births |
| 2005 | #5563 | 23 | ▲ up 4172 · +130% births |
| 2000 | #9735 | 10 | — |
The story of Keirah
Keirah is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1994. With 400 total births recorded, Keirah remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #9735 in 2000, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #12799 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Keirah in 2013:
Keirah by decade
Keirah peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1990s | 26 | |
| 2000s | 175 | |
| 2010s ★ | 190 | |
| 2020s | 9 | |
💎Keirah has only 400 total recorded births since 1994 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Keirah?
Common
KeiKeirKeirieKeiryIrah
Famous people named Keirah
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Keirah (Irish revolutionary)
Keirah carried this name during Ireland's struggle for independence, giving it a spirit of courage.
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Keirah (traditional Irish musician)
Keirah passed this name through generations of Irish musical tradition.
K(
Keirah (Celtic chieftain)
Keirah bore this name in ancient Ireland, where it connected to the Gaelic oral tradition.
K(
Keirah (Irish saint)
Keirah helped spread this name across Ireland and Scotland through the early Christian monastic movement.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Keirah?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Keirah also consider these
Common questions about the name Keirah
What does the name Keirah mean?
Keirah means "Dark”, “Black" — 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 Keirah?
Keirah is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Keirah have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Keirah?
Keirah 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.
Is Keirah trending right now?
Keirah is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.
Is Keirah a common or rare name?
Keirah is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.