Keir
Keir: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /kɪə/ · /kɪɹ/
Meaning and origin of Keir
Root meaning: “dark”
- A male given name.
Etymology
Borrowed from Scottish Gaelic ciar (“dark”) or Old Norse [Term?]. Hanks (2006) derived the name from Pictish/Proto-Brythonic *kaɨr (“a fort”), possibly via Scots keir.
How popular is Keir?
Since 1880, 64 girls and 1,053 boys in the U.S. have been named Keir (6% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #4897 in 1970. Its highest rank for boys was #1028 in 1970. In 2025, 7 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.
Names similar to Keir
Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.
More Scottish boy names
Sibling name ideas for Keir
Sister and brother names that share Keir's Scottish roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Keir FAQ
What does the name Keir mean?
Keir traces back to a root meaning "dark". A male given name. Borrowed from Scottish Gaelic ciar (“dark”) or Old Norse [Term?]. Hanks (2006) derived the name from Pictish/Proto-Brythonic *kaɨr (“a fort”), possibly via Scots keir.
What is the origin of the name Keir?
Keir is listed as a name of Scottish origin.
How popular is the name Keir?
Since 1880, 64 girls and 1,053 boys in the U.S. have been named Keir (6% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #4897 in 1970. Its highest rank for boys was #1028 in 1970. In 2025, 7 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.
Is Keir a boy or girl name?
Keir is mostly a boy name in the U.S.: 64 girls and 1,053 boys since 1880.
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880–2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.