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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Related Reading
Germanic-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →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
Most popular combo · classic
Kiefer Rose
Floral · soft ending
Kiefer Mae
Sweet · timeless
Kiefer Claire
French influence · crisp
Kiefer Jane
Literary · strong
Kiefer Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Kiefer right now?
Falling — down 4218 spots — currently #11600 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| 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 | — |
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:
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
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Kiefer (Scandinavian royal)
Kiefer held this name in the Nordic royal courts, giving it aristocratic prestige across Northern Europe.
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Kiefer (medieval German ruler)
Kiefer bore this name during the Holy Roman Empire, spreading Germanic naming traditions across Europe.
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Kiefer (Norse explorer)
Kiefer carried this name across Scandinavia and into the North Atlantic during the Viking Age.
K(
Kiefer (German philosopher)
Kiefer used this name in the rich tradition of German intellectual and philosophical culture.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Kiefer?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Kiefer also consider these
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.