| Meaning | little dark one |
| Origin | Celtic, Gaelic, Irish |
| Gender | Boy |
| Popularity | Moderate |
| Length | 6 |
| Syllables | 3 |
| Syllabification | Ci-a-ran |
This Irish gem combines cultural richness with a sound that's both strong and sophisticated. Ciaran's distinctive pronunciation adds an element of uniqueness that helps it stand out in any crowd. The name carries centuries of Irish heritage, connecting your son to a tradition of storytelling, music, and literary excellence. Parents who choose Ciaran often appreciate names that require a bit of explanation, seeing this as an opportunity for cultural education and conversation. Its two-syllable rhythm creates a balanced, substantial feel that commands attention without being overwhelming. Ciaran works beautifully in multicultural contexts, offering a bridge between traditional Irish naming and contemporary international appeal. The name suggests intelligence and creativity, fitting for families who value artistic and intellectual pursuits. Its relative rarity in many English-speaking countries ensures distinctiveness without obscurity. Ciaran's strong consonant sounds project confidence and determination, qualities parents hope to nurture. The name ages gracefully, equally suitable for a energetic child and an accomplished professional. For families with Irish connections or those simply drawn to Celtic culture, Ciaran represents an authentic, meaningful choice with enduring character.
| Ciar |
| Ran |
| Ci |
| Aran |
| Ciaran Hinds | Irish actor |
| Ciaran Carson | Irish poet and writer |
| Ciaran Bourke | Irish musician, member of The Dubliners |
| Ciaran McMenamin | Northern Irish actor |
| Ciaran Kilkenny | Irish Gaelic footballer |
| Ciaran McDonald | Irish rugby union player |
| Ciaran Martyn | Australian rugby league player |
| Ciaran O'Lionaird | Irish middle-distance runner |
| Ciaran Power | Irish professional cyclist |
| Ciaran Griffiths | British actor |
| Ciaran Joyce | British actor and singer |
| Ciaran Madden | British actress |
| Ciaran McCarthy | Irish artist and sculptor |
| Ciaran O'Connor | Irish entrepreneur and author |
| Ciaran O'Reilly | Irish theatre director and producer |
| Ciaran Toner | Northern Irish footballer |
| Ciaran Donnelly | Irish film director and screenwriter |
| Ciaran O'Loughlin | Australian comedian and actor |
| Ciaran Clark | Irish professional footballer |
| Ciaran Docherty | Character from the novel "The Crow Road" by Iain Banks |
| Ciaran Devine | Protagonist in the novel "Little Big Man" by Thomas Berger |
| Ciaran Phantomhive | Character from the manga and anime series "Black Butler" |
| Ciaran MacKay | Character from the novel "The Dark Road" by Ma Jian |
| Ciaran O'Connor | Character from the TV series "The Fall" |
| Ciaran McDaid | Character from the TV series "The Bay" |
| Ciaran James | Character from the TV series "Ackley Bridge" |
| Ciaran Joyce | Character from the TV series "Grange Hill" |
| Ciaran Coulson | Character from the TV series "Doctors" |
| Ciaran Harbison | Character from the TV series "Hollyoaks" |
| Ciaran McCarthy | Character from the TV series "Reign" |
| Ciaran Sweeney | Character from the TV series "The Tudors" |
| Ciaran Pryce | Character from the TV series "Casualty" |