Kieran History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
Gaelic, otherwise known as Early Modern Irish, was used in Ireland from around the year 1200 until the 18th century. It is from this language that we found the first references to the name Kieran as Ó Ciarain or Mac Ciarain. These names are derived from the word "ciar," which means "black" or "dark brown." 1
Early Origins of the Kieran family
The surname Kieran was first found in County Mayo (Irish: Maigh Eo) located on the West coast of the Republic of Ireland in the province of Connacht, where they held a family seat from ancient times.
Early History of the Kieran family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Kieran research. Another 87 words (6 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Kieran History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Kieran Spelling Variations
Those scribes in Ireland during the Middle Ages recorded names as they sounded. Consequently, in this era many people were recorded under different spellings each time their name was written down. Research on the Kieran family name revealed numerous spelling variations, including Kieran, O'Kieran, Keiran, Keighran, O'Keiran, Kerin and many more.
Early Notables of the Kieran family
More information is included under the topic Early Kieran Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Kieran migration to the United States +
Thousands of Irish families left for North American shores in the 19th century. These people were searching for a life unencumbered with poverty, hunger, and racial discrimination. Many arrived to eventually find such conditions, but many others simply did not arrive: victims of the diseased, overcrowded ships in which they traveled to the New World. Those who lived to see North American shores were instrumental in the development of the growing nations of Canada and the United States. A thorough examination of passenger and immigration lists has disclosed evidence of many early immigrants of the name Kieran:
Kieran Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
- John and Thomas Kieran, who settled in Philadelphia, PA between 1858 and 1868
Kieran migration to Canada +
Some of the first settlers of this family name were:
Kieran Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century
- B Kieran, who landed in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1843
Kieran migration to Australia +
Emigration to
Australia followed the
First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:
Kieran Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
- John Kieran, aged 35, who arrived in South Australia in 1850 aboard the ship "Trafalgar" 2
Contemporary Notables of the name Kieran (post 1700) +
- John Kieran (1892-1981), American writer and a radio and television personality
- Kate Kieran, American Democratic Party politician, Candidate for Presidential Elector for New York, 1920 3
- Lynne Kieran (1960-2013), British-born Austrian singer, best known for her performances with The Rounder Girls
- Sean Kieran Conlon (b. 1981), English singer
- Michael Kieran Reilly (1869-1944), American Democratic Party politician, Delegate to Democratic National Convention from Wisconsin, 1908, 1924; U.S. Representative from Wisconsin 6th District, 1913-17, 1930-39; Defeated, 1924 4
- Kieran McKeever (b. 1968), former Irish dual player
- Kieran Thomas Conry (b. 1951), English prelate, Roman Catholic Bishop of Arundel and Brighton
- Kieran Smith (b. 2000), American swimmer, who won bronze at the 2020 Olympic Games
- Kieran Klaassen, Dutch composer, known for De behandeling, Komt een vrouw bij de dokter (2009) and Dossier K. (2009)
- Kieran Crotty (1930-2022), Irish Fine Gael politician who served as a Teachta Dála (TD) for the Carlow–Kilkenny constituency from 1969 to 1989
Historic Events for the Kieran family +
- Mr. James W. Kieran (d. 1912), aged 32, English Chief 3rd Class Steward from Southampton, Hampshire who worked aboard the RMS Titanic and died in the sinking 5
- Mr. Michael Kieran (d. 1912), aged 31, English Storekeeper from Southampton, Hampshire who worked aboard the RMS Titanic and died in the sinking 5
The Kieran Motto +
The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.
Motto: Fidens et constans
Motto Translation: Stand firm on trust.
Citations +