Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Kian

Kian is a modern anglicized variation of the Irish masculine name Cian which comes from the Gaelic meaning “ancient, enduring”. Cian was borne by the son-in-law of the early 11th century High King of Ireland Brian Boru. Cian mac Máelmuaid assisted Brian in leading the Irish armies to victory over the Vikings at the Battle of Clontarf. In the Gaelic tongue Cian is either pronounced KEE-an or KEEN (which is where we get the common surname Keane). Interestingly, Kian happens to be a high ranking name in Iran. As it turns out, Kian is also a Persian name meaning “benevolent king” and an Arabic name meaning “soul, essence”. Although it’s clear that English speakers have borrowed the name from the Irish-Gaelic Cian rather than adopting it from the East. Cian has been resurrected in Ireland and is now a Top 20 favorite name choice for boys. Kian with a “k” is preferred in England, Wales and Scotland. It is also semi-popular in the Netherlands. The name is pretty new to Americans and has yet to see the same success compared to our friends over the pond.

All About the Baby Name – Kian

Personality

OF THE BOY NAME KIAN

The number Eight personality has everything to do with power, wealth and abundance. Somehow, this personality has been blessed on the material plane, but their authoritative and problem-solving traits provide evidence that their good fortunes are not just the luck of the lottery. They are well earned. This is the personality of CEOs and high-ranking military personnel. Eights are intensely active, hard-driving individuals. Success is only meaningful to them after a job well-done.  They are remarkable in their ability to see the larger picture right down to the smallest details, and organize a strategy around success. They then have the ability to direct a group around them toward any goal, and realize individual potential to get the most out of their team.

Popularity

OF THE BOY NAME KIAN

Although Cian is an “ancient” Irish name, Kian is a 21st century masculine name for Americans, first appearing on the U.S. charts in the year 2000. The name has climbed ever so slowly up the boy’s chart but may be leveling off at below average usage. It’s really too early to tell. Whether pronounced KEEN or KEE-an, Kian is a strong sounding name so we hope Americans don’t send it to the land of gender-neutrality (as they often do with names). The “ancient” etymology makes Kian a perfect choice for an old soul baby or one who is born past his due date. In terms of Irish names (which Americans are drawn to), Kian is an underused, uncommon choice. But if you’re really Irish, you may want to consider the Gaelic spelling of Cian. Although we get it. Kian looks more masculine.

Quick Facts

ON KIAN

GENDER:

Boy

ORIGIN:

English

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

583

PRONUNCIATION:

KEE-an, KEEN (sometime KYE-an)

SIMPLE MEANING:

Ancient

Characteristics

OF KIAN

Authoritative

Powerful

Tough

Tenacious

Wealthy

Problem-solver

Achiever

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Kian

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME KIAN

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Kian

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME KIAN

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Kian


Popular Songs

ON KIAN

We cannot find any popular or well-known songs with the name of Kian


Famous People

NAMED KIAN

Kian Egan (Irish musician)

Children of Famous People

NAMED KIAN

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Kian

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME KIAN

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Kian