Little dark one
Derived from the Irish word 'ciar', meaning dark or black, combined with a diminutive suffix. It historically referred to someone with dark hair or a dark complexion. The name is deeply rooted in Irish history, borne by two major saints, including Saint Ciaran of Clonmacnoise.
Less common today
Ciaran isn't in the latest US Top 1000. It last peaked at #1,615 in 2025.
US births per 5-year period, 1990–present (SSA data).
Academy Award-nominated actor
Professional footballer
Award-winning Irish poet and novelist
One of the Twelve Apostles of Ireland
