Origin and Meaning of Keir

Meaning & Origin

Dark, black

Origin: Irish - Derived from the Gaelic word 'ciar', meaning 'dark' or 'black'.

Interesting Facts

  • The name Keir is traditionally of Irish origin and has been used in various forms in both Scotland and Ireland.
  • Keir is a unisex name, although it is more commonly used for boys in many regions.
  • Notable bearers of the name include Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party in the UK, and Keir Dullea, an American actor known for his role in '2001: A Space Odyssey'.
  • Keir remains less common than some other names but has seen a gradual increase in popularity in recent years, especially in the UK.
  • Variations of the name include Kieran and Ciaran, which are more widely recognized and have similar meanings.