Kiran

An uncommon Sanskrit pick — distinctive and rare.

Boy's name| Also girlsSanskritRising fast
#1344 253in 2024

Meaning & Origin

A male given name from Sanskrit used by Hindus and Jains.

Kiran is a boy's and girl's baby name of Sanskrit origin, meaning 'ray of light, beam of sunlight' — from the Sanskrit kiraṇa (ray of light, sunshine). In Hindu tradition, the sun's rays represent divine illumination and life-giving energy.

A beautifully simple name with the most radiant of meanings, Kiran is widely used in India, Pakistan, and among South Asian diaspora communities. It works equally well for boys and girls in South Asian tradition — though in the U.S. it trends male. Clean, bright, and carrying the warmth of sunlight itself.

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Popularity Over Time

Kiran climbed 194 spots in the last 20 years — from #1538 to #1344.

03671107142198020002024

Popularity by Decade

Decade-by-decade popularity data for Kiran
DecadeBirthsTrend
2020s576
2010s1,053
2000s844
1990s310
1980s139
1970s87

Year-by-Year Data

View complete yearly data(53 years, 19702024)
Year-by-year popularity data for the name Kiran
YearBirthsRank
2024142#1344
2023109#1597
2022108#1617
2021118#1508
202099#1626
201993#1706
201898#1650
201799#1614
2016105#1568
2015124#1391
201497#1614
2013114#1451
2012119#1403
2011102#1555
2010102#1561
2009116#1448
2008119#1419
200788#1715
200690#1612
200587#1591

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

Kiran as a Girl's Name

Though more common for boys, Kiran has a notable history as a girl's name too, with 1,859 births since 1966.

#9893
Current rank
1,859
Total births
2008
Peak year
Compare Kiran as boy vs girl

Frequently Asked

Can Kiran be used for both boys and girls?
Yes, Kiran is used for both boys and girls. As a boy's name, it currently ranks #1344. As a girl's name, it ranks #9893.

Last updated May 2026 · Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (19702024) · Methodology