Origin & Meaning of the Kiernan Surname
What does the last name Kiernan mean?
The surname Kiernan carries the meaning "Family name of European origin." It is derived from the European language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 5,966 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Kiernan ranks as the #5,802 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Kiernan come from?
The Kiernan surname has its roots in European heritage. Names of European origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Kiernan name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Kiernan trace back to European. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Kiernan |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of European origin |
| Origin | European |
| Language | European |
| US Rank (2010) | #5,802 |
| US Count (2010) | 5,966 |
| Per 100K People | 2.02 |
| First Letter | K |
Ethnic Distribution of Kiernan
According to the US Census, the Kiernan surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 5,966 Americans with the Kiernan last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 94.8% |
| Black | 0.3% |
| Hispanic | 2.82% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.62% |
| Native American | 0.13% |
| Two or More Races | 1.32% |
Popularity of Kiernan Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Kiernan surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Kiernan surname increased by 298 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other European Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Kiernan
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