Kiara Name Meaning
Learn more about the meaning, origin, and popularity of the name Kiara.
Fact checked by Sarah ScottFact checked by Sarah Scott
Kiara is a name with two different meanings. In an interesting spin, the dual meanings of the name Kiara are complete opposites. Kiara means "light" or "clear" as a variation of the traditional Italian spelling of the name Chiara. Chiara is the Italian form of the name Clare or Clara. Kiara is also a variation of the Irish name Ciara, which means "dark-haired" or "dark-one." Ciara is the feminine form of the Irish name Ciar or Ciarán.
While it is most widely recognized in the United States for its Italian and Irish meanings, Kiara is also a Hindi name with the same meaning as the Irish form. In Swahili, the name Kiara means "princess."
Origin: Kiara is a name of both Italian and Irish origins. It also has Hindi and Swahili origins.
Gender: Kiara is frequently used as a girl name, but it is considered a gender-neutral name within the Hindi religion. Ciar or Ciarán is often used as a boy name with the same meaning and origin as the Irish variation.
Pronunciation: Kee-AR-uh or KEE-ra
Editor's Note
Although many baby names are separated by gender, Parents believes that sex does not need to play a role in your name selection process. It’s important to select a name that you feel suits your new baby the best.
How Popular Is the Name Kiara?
The name Kiara has been on the charts since 1988 when it was considered a pretty rare name at position No. 820. The following year, it made its record jump of 706 points up to position No. 115. This major increase in popularity is most likely related to the singing duo Kiara who released their song "This Time" in 1988.
In 1989, the name Kiara experienced a big jump to the 115th spot but declined over the coming years. By 1997 it sunk to position No. 238, its lowest in nearly a decade, but then reached No. 172 the following year and hit its peak at position No. 78 the year after that, in 1999.
This surge is likely related to the release of the animated movie The Lion King II in 1998, the protagonist of which was a princess lion cub named Kiara.
Kiara is currently on an upswing after another slow decline in popularity. The Social Security Administration places Kiara at position No. 230 as of 2023.
Name Variations
The late Latin name Clarus, the feminine form of which is Chiara, is the root of many variations of the name Kiara. These variations are used in Latin, Germanic, and Slavic languages.
Variations with the root name Chiara/Clare include:
Chiara
Clara
Clare
Claire
Klara
Irish variations of Kiara include:
Keira
Kira
Similar Names
Names similar to Kiara include:
Carina
Clarette
Claribel
Clarinda
Keara
Kiarra
Kiera
Kierra
Kyra
Kysa
Sara
Sarah
Sierra
Common Nicknames for Kiara
Some possible nicknames for Kiara include:
Ara
Aria
Kiki
KK
Kia
Chiarina
Chiaretta
Suggested Sibling Names
Here are some ideas for sibling names that may work well with Kiara:
Anthony
Ava
Brandon
Cecilia
Dorothy
Elisa
Lucas
Luke
Lila
Jack
Julia
Margot
Michael
Steven
Quinn
Famous People Named Kiara
Here's a look at some famous celebrities and athletes with variations of the name Kiara.
Famous Kiaras
Kiara Advani, Indian actress who predominantly works in Hindi films
Kiara Brinkman, American writer known for her 2007 novel, Up High in the Trees
Kiara Kabukuru, American model known for her work with CoverGirl
Kiara Muhammed, American actress who started her career modeling for Reebok
Kiara Nowlin, American gymnast, World Champion power tumbler, and an internationally ranked cheerleader
Kiara Sasso, Brazilian actress and singer
Kiara Laetitia, Italian rock singer and entrepreneur
Kiara Young, Miss Tennessee 2015
Famous Chiaras
Santa Chiara/Saint Clare of Assisi, Follower of Saint Francis who left her wealthy family to found the order of nuns known as the Poor Clares
Chiara Zanni, Canadian actress and comedian
Chiara Mastroianni, French actress and singer
Chiara Caselli, Italian actress
Chiara Rosa, Italian shot putter
Chiara Scholl, American tennis player
Famous Ciaras
Saint Ciara, Irish nun who established a monastery at Kilkeary in the 7th century
Ciara Bravo, American actress
Ciara Sheehy, Irish Olympic sprinter
More Baby Names
Still searching for the perfect baby name? Check out these related baby name lists for even more options:
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Read the original article on Parents.
