The Hoarder's List of Names

Kiaria is pretty but sure to prove confusing given all the more familiar Kiara and Keira variations out there.

See KEIR.

Long popular in Ireland and England, Kieran, the name of Ireland's first-born saint and twenty-five other saints, has been building its U.S. fan base thanks to its strong and attractive sound, and its fashionable Irish brogue. While Ciaran is the more authentic Irish spelling, Kieran is more popular this side of the Atlantic.

Kieren is primarily a masculine name of Irish and Gaelic origin. It's a modern variant spelling of Kieran, which derives from the Irish name Ciarán, meaning 'little dark one' or 'dark-haired.' The original name comes from the Irish word 'ciar' meaning 'black' or 'dark' combined with a diminutive suffix. Saint Kieran (or Ciarán) was one of the Twelve Apostles of Ireland in the 6th century, establishing the significance of this name in Irish Christian tradition. Kieren began gaining popularity in English-speaking countries during the late 20th century as parents sought Irish names with contemporary spellings. It offers a modern twist while maintaining its Celtic roots.

Although this surname name is closely related to the more common Irish name Kieran, Kiernan is also a well used family name, tied to thirty-three ancient chieftains. It has on a few occasions been used for girls.

Adding an extra 'R' to Kiera makes it rhyme with the fashionable Sierra. Kierra is a more distinctive choice than Kiera, Keira, or Kyra, all similarly pronounced, but there may be some pronunciation confusion.

Kija was a legendary king who brought Chinese civilization -- including rice and writing -- to the Korean people, probably in the 2nd century BC. Kija is also the name of a group of Aboriginal people in Australia. Though the original Kija was male, this name would work better for girls in the modern Western world.

Kiley is one of the more reasonable of the Kylie variations, which also include Kilea, Kilee, Kileigh, Kili, Kilie, Kylee, Kyley, Kyli, ad infinitum. Despite its similarity to the popular Riley, the high ranking Kylie will ensure that this choice comes with spelling confusion. For our part, we'd rather people stuck with the original Kylie, especially seeing as that is a Noongar Aboriginal word.

Killian – aka Cillian – is a spirited yet resonant Gaelic name that was borne by several Irish saints and could make a distinctive replacement for the dated Kelly. Kylian is another spelling that's gaining traction, thanks to French soccer star Kylian Mbappé. Possible downsides: an unsavory first syllable and a connection to the trendy brew.

Kinsey enjoyed popularity blip thanks to similarity to Lindsay, and because of Sue Grafton's alphabet mysteries heroine, Kinsey Millhone. Now, Kinsley has become more popular than Kinsey.

Kinzee is a modern feminine name that represents a creative spelling variant of Kinsey or Kenzie. It may derive from Kinsey, originally an English surname meaning 'king's victory' or 'king's island,' or from Kenzie, a diminutive of Mackenzie meaning 'son of Kenneth' or 'fair one.' The distinctive spelling with a double 'e' ending gives this name a contemporary, playful quality. Kinzee emerged in popularity during the early 21st century as part of the trend toward unique spellings of familiar names. Though relatively uncommon, it appeals to parents seeking a name that sounds familiar yet looks distinctive. The name conveys a youthful, energetic quality with its zippy 'z' sound and bright ending.

Striking and accessible choice.

Though it sounds like a modern invention, Kiran is a traditional Hindu name from India; chosen for her son by actress Kelli Williams. Author Kiran Desai is a woman and this name, which bears a resemblance to both the Irish (male) Kieran and the fifties favorite Karen, certainly works as well for a girl.

The next Destiny? Kismet seems like it might be fated for increased use.

The spiritual sounding Kiva has a number of other-worldly associations. Kiva is a "Stargate" character who becomes a commander in the Lucian Alliance, as well as a planet in "Star Wars." Kiva is also the name of a room used by the Hopi for spiritual ceremonies.

Knox is an old Scottish surname that Brad Pitt (whose great-great-grandfather was named Hal Knox Hillhouse) and Angelina Jolie took out of the back cupboard, dusted off, and elevated to coolness--to the point where it entered the popular baby names list in 2009. Knox now ranks among the most influential celebrity baby names.