Ciara

Ciara is a contemporary female first name that traces back to the ancient Irish name Ciaran (Ciarán). This, in turn, is a diminutive of Ciar and is directly translated as 'the Dark', 'the Black', or 'the Dark-haired'.

What does the name Ciara mean?

Ciara represents a modern female form of the traditional Irish name Ciaran (Ciarán), which is a diminutive of Ciar. The translation is 'the Dark', 'the Black', or 'the Dark-haired' as well as 'the Dark-skinned'. The origin of the name lies in the Old Irish term cíar, meaning 'black' or 'dark'. Additionally, Ciara is regarded as a modern English variant of Sierra, derived from the Old Spanish word sierra, meaning 'the mountain range'. The name gained popularity through Saint Ciara, an Irish nun who founded a monastery in Kilkeary in the 7th century. Other variants include Ciera, Chiera, Kiara, Kiarra, Kiera, Kierra, Keira, Ceara, Keara, Kira, Kyra, and Kyrah. The perfume brand Ciara, launched by Revlon in 1973, may also have influenced the naming.

Where does the name Ciara come from?

The name Ciara has its roots in Old Irish and Old Spanish and means both 'the Dark' and 'the mountain range'. The Old Irish etymology comes from cíar, meaning 'black' or 'dark', while the Old Spanish form sierra means 'the mountain range'. The name is used in the Irish language.

How do you pronounce Ciara?

The pronunciation of Ciara varies slightly and can encompass two to three syllables. In German pronunciation, it is often rendered as 'Ki-a-ra' [ˈkiːaʁa], while in English-speaking regions, the pronunciation [ˈsɪəɹə] is common. The name begins with a clear I sound, which conveys a certain freshness. The open vowel sequence creates a wide sound, rounded off by the soft R in the open final syllable. This gives Ciara a modern, melodic touch and makes it feminine, present, and sonically harmonious.

When is the name day of Ciara?

The name day for Ciara is celebrated on March 15 and July 2.

Popularity

In Germany, the first name Ciara enjoys great popularity. Currently, it ranks 1,740th in the list of the most common female first names. Its best placement was in 2010, when it reached 268th place. In the last ten years, Ciara has been given as a first name about 340 times, placing it 1,125th in the ten-year statistics. From 2010 to 2024, it ranks 824th. Ciara also has placements in various countries internationally.

Nicknames & pet names

Ara / Cara / Cia / Cici / Cii / Cira / Ciri / Kiki / Kiwi

Similar first names

Famous people

• Ciara (singer)
• Ciara Bravo (child actress (BTR))
• Ciara Gibson-Byrne (English water polo player)
• Ciara Grant (British footballer)
• Ciara Hanna (actress from the USA)
• Ciara Horne (English racing cyclist)
• Ciara Janson (English actress)
• Ciara Maurizia Horne (British racing cyclist)
• Ciara McAvoy (artist)
• Ciara Michel (English volleyball player)
• Ciara Newell (Irish singer)
• Ciara Peelo (Irish sailor)
• Ciara Princess Harris (singer from the USA)
• Ciara Sotto (actress from the Philippines)