Kiefer

“Kiefer”

Germanic origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#11600US 2023

6Births / yr

↓Falling

1.9kAll-time births

📅 Since 198800.01% of births at peak

How to pronounce Kiefer

KEE·fer

/ˈkiː.fɝ/ · stress on KEE · 2 syllables

“Kiefer”

Germanic origin · Boy name

What does Kiefer mean and where does it come from?

Kiefer is of German origin, referring to a type of tree, while in Irish, its origins tie back to a familial name. A notable bear of this name is Kiefer Sutherland, a Canadian actor. The name is relatively modern but has gained fame due to popular personalities. Its meanings connect to nature and her

Cultural significance

Kiefer has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Germanic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of kiefer.

Peak popularity

Reached #711 in 1991 — currently #11600 in the US.

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How else can you spell Kiefer?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

What middle names flow best with Kiefer?

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

Kiefer Grace

How popular is Kiefer right now?

Falling — down 4218 spots — currently #11600 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1990–2023#11600 · Top 8.6%

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#11600	6	▼ down 4218 · -45% births
2021	#7382	11	▲ up 272 · +10% births
2020	#7654	10	▼ down 3611 · -62% births
2015	#4043	26	▼ down 1507 · -47% births
2010	#2536	49	▼ down 557 · -23% births
2005	#1979	64	▲ up 816 · +94% births
2000	#2795	33	▼ down 1366 · -53% births
1995	#1429	70	▼ down 573 · -51% births
1990	#856	143	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Kiefer

Best Year1990Rank #856

Peak Count143

Average Rank#4475

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1990 - 20239 years

The story of Kiefer

Kiefer is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1988. With 1,921 total births recorded, Kiefer remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #856 in 1990, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #11600 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Kiefer in 1991:

Michael Christopher Matthew Joshua Andrew

Kiefer by decade

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

Decade	Births
1980s	128
1990s ★	969
2000s	558
2010s	256
2020s	10

💎With 1,921 total births, Kiefer is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Kiefer?

Common

KieKiefKiefieKiefyEfer

Famous people named Kiefer

Kiefer (Scandinavian royal)

Kiefer held this name in the Nordic royal courts, giving it aristocratic prestige across Northern Europe.

Kiefer (medieval German ruler)

Kiefer bore this name during the Holy Roman Empire, spreading Germanic naming traditions across Europe.

Kiefer (Norse explorer)

Kiefer carried this name across Scandinavia and into the North Atlantic during the Viking Age.

Kiefer (German philosopher)

Kiefer used this name in the rich tradition of German intellectual and philosophical culture.

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What names sound and feel like Kiefer?

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

Kieffer

Germanic · Cedar wood

Kieler

Germanic · German

Kiezer

Dutch-speaking countries · Kiezer means 'emperor'.

Giefer

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Kiser

Germanic · German

Kinzer

Germanic · king's son

Common questions about the name Kiefer

What does the name Kiefer mean?

Kiefer means "Kiefer" — a name rooted in Germanic 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 Kiefer?

Kiefer is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy 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 Kiefer?

Kiefer originates from Germanic tradition. Germanic 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 Kiefer?

Kiefer is a two-syllable name pronounced K IY1 F ER0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Kiefer a common or rare name?

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