Irish Baby Name · Boy

Ciarán

Pronounced: KEER-awn

Meaning: Little dark one

About the name

Origin
Irish
English version
Kieran, Kieron, Ciaran
Variants
Ciaran, Ciarrán
Stronghold region
Leinster

Overview

Borne by Saint Ciarán of Clonmacnoise, founder of one of Ireland's greatest monasteries in the 6th century, and by Saint Ciarán of Saigir, the 'first-born of the saints of Ireland'.

The story behind Ciarán

Saint Ciarán of Clonmacnoise founded one of Ireland's greatest monastic schools on the banks of the Shannon in 544, dying within a year aged only 33; the Annals of the Four Masters records the lament that 'all of Ireland mourned for him'.

Mythology & legend

Non-mythological; meaning 'little dark one'; borne by many saints.

Did you know?

Two great Saint Ciaráns — of Saigir and of Clonmacnoise — are sometimes called the 'first-born of the Irish saints'.

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