Keira
Fact sheet
- Name
- Keira
- Gender
- Girl name
- Syllables
- 2
The female first name Keira represents a modern, English spelling of the Irish name Ciara, which is a feminine form of Ciaran (Ciaràn) and has its origin in the Gaelic-Irish name Ciar. Translated, the name means 'the Dark', 'the Dark-haired', or 'the Black'.
What does the name Keira mean?
Keira is, alongside Kiera, a contemporary English variant of the Irish name Ciara, which represents the feminine form of Ciaran (Ciaràn) and has its origin in the Gaelic-Irish Ciar. The name is literally interpreted as 'the Dark', 'the Dark-haired', and 'the Black'. Its roots trace back to the Old Irish word cíar, meaning 'black' or 'dark'. There are also theories that consider Keira as the feminine form of the Old Persian king's name Kourus/Cyrus, which came into German through the Ancient Greek 'Kyra' and the Russian 'Kira'. Another possibility is that the name originates from Greek, where it is seen as a short form of the Doric female name Kyrana or as a new form of Kyrene ('woman from Cyrene'). In this context, the name means 'the Lady', derived from the Ancient Greek kýrios (κύριος) for 'the Lord'. In the Middle Ages, the name became popular due to the veneration of two Irish saints. Variants include Chiera, Kiarah, Kiarra, Kierra, Keyra, Keara, Kira, Kyra, and Kyrah. A prominent bearer of the name is the British actress Keira Knightley.
Where does the name Keira come from?
The etymology of Keira is Celtic and Old Irish, which underscores the meaning 'the Dark'. Ancient Greek and Old Irish merge here in their
How do you pronounce Keira?
The pronunciation of Keira is two syllables and dynamic. It is rendered as 'Kei-ra' [ˈkɪəʁa] or [ˈkeɪ̯ra], with the diphthong in the first syllable giving the name liveliness. The gentle 'r' before the open ending ensures a smooth transition. Keira radiates modernity and elegance – light, feminine, and self-assured.
When is the name day of Keira?
The name days for Keira fall on May 8, August 11, and October 21.
Popularity
In Germany, the name Keira enjoys great popularity. Currently, it ranks 2,723rd on the list of the most common female baby names. Its best placement was in 2009 at rank 810. In the last ten years, Keira has been given as a first name about 90 times, which catapults it to 2,583rd place in the ten-year statistics. Between 2010 and 2024, the name ranks 2,456th.
Nicknames & pet names
Kei / Keikei / Kerry / KiKi / Kiri
Similar first names
Famous people
- Keira Cass (writer from the USA)
- Keira Christina Knightley (British actress)
- Keira Knightley (English actress)
- Keira Lucchesi (English actress)
Frequently asked questions about the name Keira
What is the origin of the name Keira?
The origin of Keira is Celtic and Old Irish, which underscores the meaning 'the Dark'. The word components come from Old Irish and Ancient Greek.
What does the name Keira mean?
Keira is literally translated as 'the Dark', 'the Dark-haired', or 'the Black'. The name also has connections to terms for 'Lady' in Ancient Greek.
How popular is the name Keira?
Keira enjoys great popularity in many countries, especially in the English-speaking world, and has become well-known through prominent bearers like actress Keira Knightley.