Kieran

The name Kieran is a boy's name of Irish origin meaning "little dark one". Long popular in Ireland and England, Kieran, the name of Ireland's first-born saint and twenty-five other saints, has been building its U.S. fan base. Strong and attractive, with a fashionable Irish brogue, its only drawback is possible confusion with such female choices as Karen and Kyra. While Ciaran is the more authentic Irish spelling, the anglicized Kieran will be easier for Americans to understand. Julianna Margulies chose Kieran for her son, and Kieran is a Culkin brother to Macaulay and Rory. Kier is an attractive short form, and Kiera/Keira is Kieran's girl twin.