Kiefer Boy

Popularity: #932 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: KEE-fur //ˈkiːfər//

Origin: Irish; German

Meaning: Irish: 'descendant of the warrior'; German: 'barrel maker'

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Kiefer has its roots in the German language, derived from the Middle High German word "kiefer," which means "jaw" or "cheekbone." This term is related to the Old High German "kefara," which also refers to the jaw. The name is believed to have originally been a surname, likely used to denote a person who was a carpenter or woodworker, as it can also refer to the wood of the pine tree, known as "kiefer" in German.

The transition of Kiefer from a surname to a given name in English-speaking contexts occurred in the 20th century, reflecting a broader trend of adopting surnames as first names. Historically, the name Kiefer does not have significant references in major historical texts or figures, unlike many other names with biblical or royal connections.

However, it gained some recognition through notable individuals in the 20th century, such as the American actor Kiefer Sutherland, who has contributed to the name's visibility in popular culture. The name's usage in this context has helped it gain a certain degree of cultural resonance, particularly in the realm of film and television.

Culturally, the name Kiefer can evoke associations with strength and resilience, qualities often attributed to the physicality of its meaning related to the jaw. The name's connection to woodworking may also symbolize craftsmanship and creativity.

While diminutive forms or variations are less common, the name's straightforward pronunciation and spelling lend it a certain appeal that has allowed it to endure in various contexts. Overall, Kiefer represents a blend of linguistic heritage and cultural significance, rooted in its German origins and shaped by modern influences.

Famous people named Kiefer

In this section, you will find notable people named Kiefer. 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 Kiefer who have made a significant impact on popular culture.

We also feature individuals named Kiefer 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.

Kiefer Sutherland is an actor and producer best known for 24, The Lost Boys, and Designated Survivor.

Kiefer Ravena is a professional basketball player best known for playing with the Philippine national team and in the Philippine Basketball Association.

Sibling suggestions

If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Kiefer, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.

KeeganKellanKieranKendallKadenKurtis

Similar names

Based on our extensive baby names database, several names share stylistic or phonetic similarities with Kiefer. 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.

CarterJasperHunterMiloDylanAsherRyderLiamGriffinTanner

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Kiefer was first seen in the United States in 1988.

Kiefer has ranked as high as #1620 nationally, which occurred in 1991, and has been most popular in California, Texas, Illinois, Florida, and New York.

In the past 5 years the name Kiefer has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

The name Kiefer 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 Kiefer 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 Kiefer.

Year Total Births Boy
2025 6 6
2024 5 5
2023 6 6
2021 11 11
2020 10 10
2019 9 9
2018 12 12
2017 17 17
2016 21 21
2015 26 26
2014 32 32
2013 23 23
2012 36 36
2011 31 31
2010 49 49
2009 48 48
2008 55 55
2007 65 65
2006 84 84
2005 64 64
2004 68 68
2003 61 61
2002 57 57
2001 24 24
2000 33 33
1999 52 52
1998 53 53
1997 71 71
1996 68 68
1995 70 70
1994 97 97
1993 97 97
1992 114 114
1991 204 204
1990 143 143
1989 93 93
1988 35 35

Top States for Kiefer (2010)

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 7
100%