Keir Boy
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: keer //kɪər//
Origin: Irish; Scottish
Meaning: Irish: dark; Scottish: dusky
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Keir has its roots in the Gaelic language, specifically deriving from the Old Irish word "ciar," which means "dark" or "black." This etymological origin reflects a common practice in Gaelic naming conventions, where physical characteristics or traits were often used to describe individuals. The name evolved through various forms, including the Middle Irish "ciar," before being adopted into modern usage.
The transition into English occurred as Gaelic-speaking populations interacted with English speakers, particularly in regions of Scotland and Ireland, where the name has been historically prevalent. Historically, the name Keir has been associated with notable figures in Scottish history.
One prominent example is the 14th-century Scottish nobleman Sir John Keir, who was known for his involvement in the Wars of Scottish Independence. The name has also appeared in various historical texts and genealogies, contributing to its recognition in Scottish heritage.
Additionally, the name has been linked to various locations in Scotland, such as the village of Keir in Dumfries and Galloway, further embedding it within the cultural landscape of the region. Culturally, Keir carries connotations of strength and resilience, often associated with the darker aspects of nature, such as the night or the earth.
This symbolism has allowed the name to endure through centuries, resonating with those who appreciate its historical and linguistic significance. The name may also have diminutive forms, such as "Kieran," which has its own distinct history and associations but shares the same root.
Overall, Keir reflects a rich tapestry of linguistic evolution and cultural heritage, making it a name of enduring significance.
Famous people named Keir
In this section, you will find notable people named Keir. We include individuals across a wide range of fields, including actors known for their work in film, television, and stage productions. You'll also find musicians, directors, and other public figures named Keir who have made a significant impact on popular culture.
We also feature individuals named Keir who have made meaningful contributions to science, politics, athletics, literature, and other areas of public interest.
Please note that not every baby name in our database currently has a famous namesake listed. If you would like to suggest a name we may have missed or submit a correction, feel free to contact us. We review and finalize additions and corrections within 24 hours.
Keir Gilchrist is an actor best known for Atypical, It Follows, and The Good Neighbor.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Keir, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.
Similar names
Based on our extensive baby names database, several names share stylistic or phonetic similarities with Keir. These names can serve as alternatives to the sibling suggestions listed above and may help you find the perfect complementary name for your growing family.
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Keir was first seen in the United States in 1963.
Keir has ranked as high as #2258 nationally, which occurred in 1970, and has been most popular in New York, California, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Illinois.
In the past 5 years the name Keir has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Keir is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Keir was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Keir.
| Year | Total Births | Boy | Girl |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 7 | 7 | 0 |
| 2024 | 13 | 13 | 0 |
| 2023 | 17 | 17 | 0 |
| 2022 | 20 | 20 | 0 |
| 2021 | 17 | 17 | 0 |
| 2020 | 12 | 12 | 0 |
| 2019 | 12 | 12 | 0 |
| 2018 | 11 | 11 | 0 |
| 2017 | 12 | 12 | 0 |
| 2016 | 5 | 5 | 0 |
| 2015 | 21 | 21 | 0 |
| 2014 | 16 | 16 | 0 |
| 2013 | 15 | 15 | 0 |
| 2012 | 10 | 10 | 0 |
| 2011 | 13 | 13 | 0 |
| 2010 | 5 | 5 | 0 |
| 2009 | 10 | 10 | 0 |
| 2008 | 16 | 16 | 0 |
| 2007 | 7 | 7 | 0 |
| 2006 | 19 | 19 | 0 |
| 2005 | 16 | 16 | 0 |
| 2004 | 12 | 12 | 0 |
| 2003 | 16 | 16 | 0 |
| 2002 | 10 | 10 | 0 |
| 2001 | 12 | 12 | 0 |
| 2000 | 15 | 15 | 0 |
| 1999 | 17 | 17 | 0 |
| 1998 | 16 | 16 | 0 |
| 1997 | 14 | 14 | 0 |
| 1996 | 21 | 21 | 0 |
| 1995 | 16 | 16 | 0 |
| 1994 | 18 | 13 | 5 |
| 1993 | 17 | 17 | 0 |
| 1992 | 15 | 15 | 0 |
| 1991 | 17 | 17 | 0 |
| 1990 | 25 | 25 | 0 |
| 1989 | 14 | 14 | 0 |
| 1988 | 13 | 13 | 0 |
| 1987 | 18 | 18 | 0 |
| 1986 | 9 | 9 | 0 |
| 1985 | 20 | 20 | 0 |
| 1984 | 15 | 10 | 5 |
| 1983 | 17 | 17 | 0 |
| 1982 | 9 | 9 | 0 |
| 1981 | 17 | 17 | 0 |
| 1980 | 12 | 12 | 0 |
| 1979 | 16 | 16 | 0 |
| 1978 | 14 | 9 | 5 |
| 1977 | 28 | 23 | 5 |
| 1976 | 31 | 25 | 6 |
| 1975 | 20 | 20 | 0 |
| 1974 | 31 | 22 | 9 |
| 1973 | 23 | 17 | 6 |
| 1972 | 32 | 32 | 0 |
| 1971 | 52 | 46 | 6 |
| 1970 | 74 | 63 | 11 |
| 1969 | 51 | 45 | 6 |
| 1968 | 28 | 28 | 0 |
| 1967 | 6 | 6 | 0 |
| 1966 | 12 | 12 | 0 |
| 1965 | 6 | 6 | 0 |
| 1964 | 21 | 21 | 0 |
| 1963 | 13 | 13 | 0 |
Top States for Keir (2013)
We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. The table below shows the five states with the highest number of births for this name in the selected year. Use the toggle to expand the list to every state with reported births.
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| CA | 5 |