[Facts] Re: ciaran, or ciarin
by Domhnall (guest)
8/18/2004, 1:43 AM
In true Gaelic, the name is usually "Ciarán."
It is pronounced [KEE-a-rawn] or just [KEER-rawn].
The primary Anglicization is "Kieran."
The root is 'ciar' meaning 'black,' 'dark,' and 'swarthy' with a diminutive suffix '-án' added.
The only Gaelic variant is "Céirín," where the '-án' suffix is replaced by '-ín.' This name is much rarer, and typically rendered in English as "Kieren" or "Kierin."
The only other variation of note is Gaelic "Ciardhubhán." This 'double-black' name is sometimes Anglicized "Kieran," but also "Kirwan."
The name "Ciarin" is wholely made-up and illegitimate.