US Popularity Rank: 6493

Origin: Irish

Meaning: Lord, master; Dark; Little

Kiernan is a boy’s name of Irish origin. Traditionally used as a surname, Kiernan means “lord” or “master.” The name is an adaptation of the Anglicized MacKiernan, which comes from the Gaelic last name Mac Thighearnáin. In medieval times, the Kiernan clan lived throughout the west of Ireland, where the name still lives on to the present day. As a modern first name, Kiernan can also mean “dark” or “little,” which comes from the Irish Kieran or Ciaran. Depending on your preferences, a name like Kiernan allows you to honor your ancestral roots or highlight baby’s natural features at the same time.