Origin
The name Keira is of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic name 'Ciara', meaning 'dark' or 'black'. It has gained popularity in English-speaking countries, including Australia, especially from the late 20th century onwards. There are no significant historical mentions in ancient texts; however, the Gaelic roots link it to Irish mythology and early Gaelic cultures. It is not an Aboriginal or Māori name.
Meaning
Literally means 'dark' or 'black' in Gaelic, often interpreted as referring to dark hair or complexion. In Australian English contexts, it carries connotations of elegance and strength, aligning with modern notions of individuality and natural beauty.
Pronunciation
/ˈkiːərə/ (EE-rah) with emphasis on the first syllable, following Australian English pronunciation conventions.} ,"variants":[],"diminutives":[],"historical_context":"While primarily a modern name, Keira gained popularity in Australia through pop culture influences and the Gaelic linguistic heritage. It has no significant historical figures in Australian history but is associated with contemporary Australian and international media figures.
Variants & Nicknames
Variants
- Ciara
- Kira
- Kierra
Nicknames
- Kei
- Kiki
- Kira
Name Days
- 19 February (Feast of Saint Keira in some Christian calendars, though not widely observed)
- None officially celebrated in Australian cultural or religious calendars, but some Christian communities may acknowledge the feast day of Saint Ciara on 19 February.
- Māori celebrations such as Waitangi Day on 6 February are not related to the name but important cultural dates.
Name Pairings
Names that pair well with keira:
- Alice and Keira
- Emily and Keira
- Sophie and Keira
- Charlotte and Keira
Fun Facts
- The name surged in popularity in Australia after the 2003 film 'Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl', where one of the lead characters was named Keira.
- Keira Knightley, a famous British actress, notably popularised the name internationally.
- The name is often chosen in Australia for its modern sound and cultural versatility with few restrictions or stereotypes.
Personality Traits
Common traits associated with the name keira:
- creative
- confident
- independent
- artistic
Aesthetic Qualities
The visual form of Keira appeals with its balanced syllables and elegant sound, fitting well within Australian preferences for stylish and distinctive names.
Geographical Distribution
Keira is more prevalent in urban regions of Australia, such as New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland, where multicultural influences are stronger, and naming trends tend to be more contemporary.
Numerological Significance
Name number 7 in numerology, often associated with introspection, spiritual awareness, and analytical thinking. It reflects a thoughtful and observant personality.
Astrological Connections
Possibly connected with Virgo or Scorpio zodiac signs, aligning with traits of detail-orientedness, passion, and depth, though no direct astrological associations exist.
Historical Context
The name's modern popularity is mostly attributed to cultural influences from film, television, and celebrity culture in Australia. It is associated with contemporary themes of individualism and aesthetic appeal.
Linguistic Adaptability
The name adapts well across languages, with variants such as 'Ciara' in Irish and 'Kira' in multiple languages, retaining similar phonetic qualities across cultures.
Famous People Named keira
- Keira Knightley (Actress)
- Keira Maguire (Television personality)
- Keira Walsh (Footballer)
Popularity in Australia
Year | Count |
---|---|
2024 | 4 |
2017 | 7 |
2016 | 7 |
2015 | 7 |
2014 | 5 |