Cian

An uncommon Irish pick — distinctive and rare.

Boy's name| Also girlsIrishDeclining Also a pet name
#1525 86in 2024

Meaning & Origin

a male given name from Old Irish used in Ireland

Cian is a boy's and girl's baby name of Irish origin meaning 'ancient' or 'enduring,' from the Old Irish cían. In Irish mythology, Cian was the father of Lugh, the sun god — making this name deeply embedded in pre-Christian Irish tradition. It has been used in Ireland continuously since the early medieval period.

Cian is as Irish as it gets — pronounced 'Kee-an,' it's a name that requires a moment of cultural orientation for non-Irish speakers, which is exactly what many Irish American families want. A name that stakes its claim firmly in Celtic heritage.

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Popularity Over Time

Cian was #1281 twenty years ago and has since drifted to #1525, but its charm endures.

04591136181198020002024

Popularity by Decade

Decade-by-decade popularity data for Cian
DecadeBirthsTrend
2020s645
2010s1,412
2000s1,184
1990s260
1980s59
1970s15

Year-by-Year Data

View complete yearly data(44 years, 19762024)
Year-by-year popularity data for the name Cian
YearBirthsRank
2024115#1525
2023126#1439
2022136#1374
2021150#1268
2020118#1461
2019127#1394
2018145#1264
2017163#1156
2016156#1210
2015154#1199
2014152#1207
2013130#1322
2012142#1244
2011114#1440
2010129#1324
2009139#1266
2008153#1170
2007181#1039
2006140#1195
2005120#1283

Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.

Cian as a Girl's Name

While overwhelmingly a boy's name, Cian has also been given to 27 girls in the U.S. since 1998.

Unranked
Current rank
27
Total births
2004
Peak year
Compare Cian as boy vs girl

Frequently Asked

Can Cian be used for both boys and girls?
Yes, Cian is used for both boys and girls. As a boy's name, it currently ranks #1525. As a girl's name, it is not currently in the top rankings.

Cian has two lives

Cian, the baby name
#1525boys
3,575 babies
Currently viewing
Cian, the pet name
#12470pet name
4 pets
View pet page →

Last updated May 2026 · Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (19762024) · Methodology