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Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

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Original poster

Kieran or Keelan

88 replies

Babybatman · 05/02/2020 12:45

Which do you prefer? Please don't say you hate both as I'm 39 weeks and finding this naming business very hard. These aren't my favourite names but they are the only ones we both like as we have polar opposite taste.

Baby will be half Irish and although we both like the Irish spellings Caolan and Ciaran we both want to for the spelling most likely to get pronounced correctly in England where he will grow up.
Also do you think either will get nicknames/shortened? I don't think so but would be interested to hear thoughts. Thanks!

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missmouse101 · 06/02/2020 07:51

Kieran is SO much nicer!

Original poster

Babybatman · 06/02/2020 07:46

@Mincepieready thanks for your post. We have considered Cormac, but we seem to run into pronunciation issues there too. I automatically say Cor-Mack and DH says it should he Cor-M'c without the 'A' sound. He said it would drive him mad if it was always pronounced incorrectly. I haven't completely ruled it out though.

@diddlediddle thanks for your views, just wondering where are you based (roughly)? we are outskirts of London and I've never met one in the UK so I didn't think it would really have any connotations over here. Is it just becuse it has a K and is fairly unknown so sounds made up? Genuinely wondering as that's definitely the one we are leaning towards.

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diddlediddle · 06/02/2020 02:36

Kieran is lovely. Classy and works well internationally.

Keelan with the Irish spelling is ok but with a k honestly it has downmarket connotations in parts of the country - not being snobby, it's not necessarily my view, just trying to give you info that may help you choose.

Cillian is nice.

Mummyeyes · 05/02/2020 22:32

I do like the spelling Caelan.
Also different name Ciallán.

Mincepieready · 05/02/2020 21:55

Cilla n like Cilla black

Mincepieready · 05/02/2020 21:54

I think Ciaran is sufficiently recognised and my preference over it with a K. I like Caolan/ Keelan though too. I think Ciaran is a wee bit more unusual for this generation.

I love Ciar too but it doesn't work with my surname. Killian is pretty widely used in the south (think there's a well known saint and school)and the K might be easier in the UK. I know of a little Cillian often initially pronounced as Cilla -n.

All are lovely and you won't go wrong.

Can I suggest Cormac too? Fits with your first wee boys name. Looks like it sounds.... It's my favourite and I can't use it!

Let us know what you pick!!

LynetteScavo · 05/02/2020 19:36

I know a very lovely, kind, academic Keelan, as he's the only Keelan I've known I like the name.

Kieran isn't down market. The only working class Kieran I know goes to a super selective grammar school.

Just don't call your DS Kian

Ashsummer · 05/02/2020 19:23

user1493494961 how are they 'downmarket'?

I prefer kieran, I like the Irish spelling but might be tricky if you're in England x

midwestfornow · 05/02/2020 16:45

I really like Kieran as a Scot I hadn't realized that Irish names are often considered chavy in England until I moved there.
It is worth bearing in mind because some judgements will made.
I think I would be inclined to go for a more Irish rather than English spelling.

eggandonion · 05/02/2020 16:45

My neighbour has a seven year old Cillian who is always smiling, and always helping his dad, washing cars, powerwashing, cutting hedges. Also Cillian Murphy's cousin works in a supermarket near me. Both Cillians use their full name!

Original poster

Babybatman · 05/02/2020 16:21

If anyone is still reading we are throwing Cillian into the mix.

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FluffyPinkSocks · 05/02/2020 15:45

No, they all just go by their proper name.

Original poster

Babybatman · 05/02/2020 15:40

@fluffyPinkSocks lovely post thank you.
Out of interest are any of them shortened/nicknamed?

OP posts:

FluffyPinkSocks · 05/02/2020 15:30

I know loads of Keelans, Caolans and a great female Keelins. All ranging in age from 4 months to 45! It’s a lovely name.

Original poster

Babybatman · 05/02/2020 15:25

Hadn't seen the Kealan spelling. That's quite nice too!

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Skinnydecafflatte · 05/02/2020 15:05

Kieran! I know two gorgeous boys one is Keiran and the other Kieran, confusingly to remember which one is spelt which way. They are both super cute so it makes me like the name more!

eggandonion · 05/02/2020 15:03

I know a 23 year old Kealan, far south of Ireland, with that spelling.

needasleep · 05/02/2020 15:01

What about Keigan? It is similar to the names u have picked, also my nephew's name we live in Scotland and have Irish family

Original poster

Babybatman · 05/02/2020 14:59

Thanks for all the opinions. Keep 'em coming.
Kieran seems to be more popular. I have mentioned Keelan to a few friends that hadn't heard of it so I wonder it maybe it would grow on people.
Thanks for the suggestions @lizzieAnt, we have toyed with Cian, but it sounds harsher to my ears for some reason than Keelan, I think I quite like the 'l' or 'r' in both names that soften it a bit.

OP posts:

Whatsyourflava · 05/02/2020 14:40

Slight preference for Keelan though 🥰😍🥰

blossomberry · 05/02/2020 14:39

I really love Kieran! I knew a gorgeous little boy with this name and have liked it ever since.

Whatsyourflava · 05/02/2020 14:39

The poshest little boy I know is called Keiran

Not downmarket to my ears

Lovely name

LizzieAnt · 05/02/2020 14:37

Actually, sometimes people pronounce Cian as Keen though, so that might be a problem.....

myplateisfullenoughthanks · 05/02/2020 14:35

Kieran is nice I think. Keelan sounds a bit 'made up' IMO

LizzieAnt · 05/02/2020 14:29

I prefer Kieran. Ciarán would be my preference actually but I see what you mean about living in England. I haven't come across Keelan for a boy before, though I know some girl Caoilfhionn/Keelins. I just think if I heard the name I'd automatically assume it was a girl. Sorry. That mightn't be such a problem as you're living abroad though. Most people wouldn't have the Keelin = girl preconception. What about Cian, sometimes spelt Kian? A similar sound (Kee-an), but definitely a boy. I don't like the K for a C substitution usually, but there's certainly precedence. I haven't really heard nicknames for any of those names. Congratulations too and wishing you all the best.

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