Keira
Keira is a girl name of Irish origin meaning “Dark-haired”, pronounced KEER-ah. It ranked #622 in the United States in 2025, given to 469 babies, and peaked at #110 in 2006. Common nicknames: Kee, Kiki.
How popular is Keira in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Keira mean, and where does it come from?
Keira is an anglicised spelling of Ciara, the feminine of the Irish Ciar — "dark" or "black-haired" — and so a sister name to Kieran. The spelling with a K arrived in American records in 1962 but did almost nothing until one actress: Keira Knightley, whose mother reportedly intended the more usual Kiera and was registered wrong. The name entered the top thousand in 2000, as Knightley's career began, and peaked in 2006, between Pride and Prejudice and the Pirates films.
How is Keira used around the world?
Keira is used in 1 languages worldwide, with 4+ international variants.
TypeFemale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Keira?
Famous People Named Keira
- Keira Knightley — English actress and two-time Academy Award nominee
- Keira Walsh — English footballer and European champion
- Keira Hewatch — Nigerian actress and singer
Similar Names to Keira
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Sibling Name Ideas for Keira
Looking for names that pair well with Keira? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Keira mean?
Keira is a girl name of Irish origin meaning "Dark-haired." Keira is an anglicised spelling of Ciara, the feminine of the Irish Ciar — "dark" or "black-haired" — and so a sister name to Kieran. The spelling with a K arrived in American records in 1962 but did almost nothing until one actress: Keira Knightley, whose mother reportedly intended the more usual Kiera and was registered wrong.
How do you pronounce Keira?
Keira is pronounced KEER-ah. Common variations include Kiera, Ciara, Kyra.
Is Keira a girl name?
Yes, Keira is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Kee, Kiki.