Find out how popular the first name Kiran has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Kiran by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Kiran is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 61% of people named Kiran being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 109 male babies and 11 female babies born with the name Kiran.

The history of the first name Kiran

The name Kiran is derived from the Sanskrit word "kiran," which means "ray of light" or "beam of light." It originated in the Indian subcontinent, particularly in regions where Sanskrit was the primary language of culture and religion. The name has been in use for centuries, with its roots tracing back to ancient Hindu texts and scriptures.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Kiran can be found in the Mahabharata, one of the two major Sanskrit epics of ancient India. In this epic, Kiran is mentioned as the name of a character, though it is not clear whether it was a male or female name at that time. The Mahabharata is believed to have been composed between the 8th and 4th centuries BCE, suggesting that the name Kiran has been in use for over 2,500 years.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Kiran. One of the earliest recorded examples is Kiran Devi, a medieval Indian princess who lived in the 11th century CE. She was the daughter of the Chahamana ruler, Raja Vigraharaja IV, and is mentioned in various historical records and inscriptions from that period.

Another notable figure named Kiran was Kiran Bedi, an Indian social activist, and former police officer. Born in 1949, she was the first woman to join the Indian Police Service (IPS) and is known for her efforts in prison reform and women's empowerment.

In the field of literature, Kiran Nagarkar was a prominent Indian writer and novelist who lived from 1942 to 2019. He is best known for his novels "Cuckold" and "Bedtime Story," which explored themes of identity, society, and relationships in post-colonial India.

Kiran Desai, the daughter of renowned author Anita Desai, is another notable individual with this name. Born in 1971, she is an Indian-American author and won the prestigious Man Booker Prize in 2006 for her novel "The Inheritance of Loss."

Kiran Bedi, the social activist and former police officer mentioned earlier, was born in 1949 and is still actively involved in various social initiatives and causes.

The name Kiran has maintained its popularity and significance throughout history, particularly in the Indian subcontinent and among people of Indian origin. Its meaning, "ray of light," has made it a favored choice for parents seeking a name that represents hope, positivity, and brightness.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Kiran was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Kiran, please contact us.

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