What customs and traditions are associated with English baby names?

English naming customs typically involve three elements - a given name, a middle name (s), and a family name. The British follow a patrilineal naming system where the child inherits their fathers family name. However, following the patrilineal naming system is not mandatory. Instead, parents have the freedom to choose their childs last name. Some parents could also give their child the mothers last name. In contrast, others may provide both mother and father surnames in a hyphenated form, reflecting the flexibility in English naming traditions and customs.

How do English baby names reflect a person's heritage?

English naming conventions are diverse, encompassing people from different religions, ethnicities, and cultural backgrounds. Many parents may opt for names that mirror their ethnic and cultural connections. For example, parents of Irish heritage may choose titles like Liam. On the other hand, those of Greek origin might opt for names like Sophia or Alexander. Parents may also pick names that reflect their regional heritage. For example, Devon and Kent are names inspired by specific regions or places within England. Furthermore, many families pass down names from one generation to another or choose monikers inspired by literary and historical figures.

Home • Baby Names

34 English Baby Names with Meanings Dark, Starting With K

Written by Shikha Thakur, MBA

Edited by Siddharth Kesiraju, MA, Certification in Relationship Coaching

Fact-checked by Praggya Joshi, MA, BEd

Last Updated on Oct 3, 2023

Illustration: MomJunction Design Team

Name	Gender	Meaning
Kiara-Name-Meaning,-Origins,-Variations-&-Popularity-Guide	Girl	Dark; Bright; Shining; Peaceful; A lady with dusk hair; First ray of the sun
Keira	Girl	Little dark-haired one
Korbin-Name-Meaning,-History,-And-Origin:-Complete-Guide-2025	Boy	Raven; Dark-haired person
Kiera	Girl	Little dark one; Dark-headed; Dusky; Black
Kerry	Girl	Ciar's people; Kingdom of Ciar; One with dark complexion
Kolby-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-History:-A-Comprehensive-Guide	Boy	Coal town; Dark town
Kaira	Girl	Alluring; Delightful; Beloved; Dark
Kyrin	Boy	Black; Dark-haired
Kolbie	Girl	Coal town; Dark town
Kiernan-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-A-Comprehensive-Guide	Boy	Son of a lord; Little dark one; Black; Dark

Kierra-Name-Meaning,-History-&-Popularity:-Comprehensive-Guide	Girl	Dark; Lord
Kier	Boy	Little dark one; Dark-skinned; Dusky; Thicket or marsh; Key-maker or locksmith
Kordae	Boy	The name means means Coal Worker, Dark Skinned
Kieren	Boy	Dark-haired; Dark-complexioned; Black; Dark; Descendant of Ciarán
Kerwin	Boy	Descendant of Ciardhubhán; Dark and black
Kieron	Boy	Dark-haired; Dark-complexioned; Black; Dark; Descendant of Ciarán; Ray of light
Kannen	Boy	Lord Krishna; Black; Dark; Church official; Large reed
Kerrigan	Boy	Descendant of Ciaragá; Black or dark
Ker	Boy	Black; Dark brown
Kieryn	Girl	Dark-haired; Dark-complexioned; Black; Dark; Descendant of Ciarán; Ray of light

Karigan-Baby-Name-Meaning,-Origin-&-Complete-Guide	Girl	Descendant of Ciaragán; Dark; Black
Kirian-Baby-Name:-2025-Guide-To-Meaning,-Trends-&-Pronunciation	Unisex	Dark-haired; Dark
Keiron	Unisex	Little dark-haired one; Black
Kierian	Boy	Dark-haired; Dark-complexioned; Black; Dark; Descendant of Ciarán
Kierin	Unisex	Black; Little dark one; Small dark-haired
Keirnan	Boy	Little dark one; Dark haired; Kiernan's son
Keiran	Girl	Dark-haired; Dark-complexioned; Black; Dark; Descendant of Ciarán
Karrigan-Name-Meaning:-A-Comprehensive-Guide	Girl	She who is pure; Black; Dark
Kerin-Name-Meaning-&-History:-Irish-Origin,-Popularity-Guide	Girl	Dark-haired; Pure; Each of the two
Kiyrah	Girl	The black and dark person

Keara:-What-You-Need-To-Know-About-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-History	Boy	Black; Little dark one
Kera	Boy	Dark; Black-haired
Kerra	Boy	Dearer; Dark; Descendent of Ciar; Love
Kyanite	Unisex	Dark blue

Infographic: Top English Baby Names with Meanings Dark, Starting With K

Our infographic below features options from timeless classics to contemporary favorites that complement your child's personality. Scroll through the list to find the perfect name that reflects your preferences and your family's shared values.

English Baby Names with Meanings Dark, Starting With K(infographic)

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Author Editor Fact Checker

Shikha ThakurMBA

Shikha is a writer-turned-editor at MomJunction, with over seven years of experience in the field of content. Having done a certification in Relationship Coaching, her core interest lies in writing articles that guide couples through their courtship to marriage and parenthood.

Read full bio of Shikha Thakur

Siddharth KesirajuMA, Certification in Relationship Coaching

Siddharth holds a certification in Relationship Coaching and a masters degree in communication and journalism from the University of Hyderabad. He has around seven years of experience in various fields of writing and editing.

Read full bio of Siddharth Kesiraju

Praggya JoshiMA, BEd

Praggya Joshi holds a bachelor's degree in Education and a master's in Ancient Indian History from University of Delhi. She has a robust knowledge of literature, society, and ethics. Praggya has been a content writer since 2021, researching and writing on education, health and wellness, and travel.

Read full bio of Praggya Joshi