Surname Keenahan - Meaning and Origin
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Keenahan: What does the surname Keenahan mean?
The last name Keenahan is a common surname in Ireland, derived from the Gaelic "Cianachan," which translates to "ancient." It is believed to have originated in the 11th century and began to be used by noblemen and warriors as both a surname and as a personal name. The origin of the name is likely from the Gaelic word "cian," meaning "ancient" or "wise."
It has been theorized that the surname has several different possible variants, including: Kenehan, Kanehan, Keenehan, and Kennahan. The contemporary spelling Keenahan, however, is the most common. The spelling of the name changed over the centuries due to pronunciation and language evolution.
The Keenahans have a long history in Ireland, spanning centuries. Many of the family members were landowners and held prestigious positions at certain times in Irish history. As a result, the family was quite influential in the country for many years. Additionally, the Keenahans have spread out all over the world.
The modern spelling of the surname, Keenahan, signifies a strong sense of pride for those whose name carries it. The name embodies a family's legacy in Irish history and is one of the oldest recorded family names in all of Ireland. To this day, the Keenahans of Ireland and their descendants around the world can proudly say that they are a part of a rich and interesting past.
Order DNA origin analysisKeenahan: Where does the name Keenahan come from?
The last name Keenahan is most often found in Ireland, where it is common in northern and central parts of the country. It is thought to be derived from the Gaelic term “O’Ceinacháin”, which translates as “descendant of Ceinachán”. This Celtic origin is one of the oldest in the country.
Outside of Ireland, the name Keenahan can be found in countries with large Irish diasporas, such as the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada and New Zealand. In these countries, it is mainly concentrated in the coastal regions and in areas where the Irish initially settled.
In the United States, the largest population of those with the last name Keenahan are found in the states of Pennsylvania and Massachusetts. It is thought that the Eurasian origins of the Keenahan name is responsible for this concentration.
The Keenahan surname has been found in records in Ireland and the United Kingdom since at least 1600, and in the United States from 1820 onwards. The larger numbers of Keenahans found outside of Ireland today are likely due to emigration over the last centuries from Ireland to other affordable and accessible countries.
Variations of the surname Keenahan
Keenahan is an Irish surname, which is derived from the Gaelic name Mac Cianain. It is a popular name originating from the Éile Uí Cheinneide clan, which was located in Kilkenny in the south of Ireland.
Variations of the surname include: Keenan, Keanahan, Keanahan, Ó Cianáin, Ó Cínáin, MacCiana, MacCineey, MacKeenan, MacKiana, MacKianna, MacKinea, MacKiney, McKeanan, McKeeney, McKeonan, McInean, McKian, McKinea, and O’Kiana.
In addition, spellings which are seen frequently when researching the surname Keenaghan include Kian, Kianan, Keenon, Kinan, Kinean, Kinehan, and Kineon.
The descendants of the Éile Uí Cheinneide clan are often identified as one of the Four Tribes of Kilkenny, which makes the Keenahan surname extremely popular in the area. It is seen frequently in records of the 16th and 17th centuries, although it is thought to have been used even earlier than that.
The name is also found in good numbers throughout the rest of Ireland, as well as areas with Irish populations such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and Great Britain. In modern times, it is a popular name among Irish people worldwide as well as in their ancestral homelands.
Famous people with the name Keenahan
- Jackie Kenehana: Irish supermodel, singer, and TV personality.
- Ricky Kenehana: Australian former professional soccer player.
- Bob Kenehan: Former American football coach.
- Bill Kenehana: Former National Hockey League hockey player.
- William Kenehana: Film and television actor.
- Kevin Kenehan: Creator/writer of Slamton Television and Radio Network.
- John Kenehana: Retired American professional wrestler.
- Jennifer Kenehana: British-born Indian actress and model.
- Peter Kenehana: English professional soccer player.
- Gavan Kenehana: Irish professional soccer player.
- Lorry Kenehana: Artist, illustrator, and author.
- Jake Kenehana: Irish singer-songwriter.
- Rachel Kenehana: Scottish singer-songwriter.
- André Kenehana: Former French professional soccer player.
- Harry Kenehana: British actor.
- James Kenehana: Canadian citizen and master furrier.