The Irish name meaning "dark one" is Ciarán.
Origin and Meaning of Ciarán
Ciarán is a traditionally male given name of Irish origin. It directly translates to "little dark one" or "little dark-haired one," making it a descriptive and endearing name.
Etymology and Linguistic Roots
The meaning of Ciarán is derived from the Old Irish word ciar, which signifies "black" or "dark." To this root, a diminutive suffix is appended, softening the meaning to convey "little" or "dear," thus forming "little dark one."
Name Variations and Related Forms
While Ciarán is the widely recognized Irish spelling, the name also has variations, particularly in other Gaelic-speaking regions. It is also closely related to a popular female Irish name.
| Name | Origin | Meaning | Gender |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ciarán | Irish | Little dark one | Masculine |
| Ciaran | Scottish Gaelic | Little dark one | Masculine |
| Ciara | Irish | Dark, dark-haired | Feminine |
Notably, Ciarán is considered the masculine form of the name Ciara, which shares the same root meaning related to darkness or dark hair. This connection highlights the shared linguistic heritage and thematic consistency within Irish naming traditions.
For more information on the name Ciarán, you can refer to its Wikipedia page.
