Surname Keenan - Meaning and Origin

An Odyssey into Ancestry: A Personal Review of the iGENEA DNA Test and the Revelation of the Keenan Heritage

Embark on a DNA testing journey with iGENEA and discover the origins of the surname, Keenan. Uncover the historical spread of the name and connect with long-lost relatives from around the globe.

D. Keenan

Keenan: What does the surname Keenan mean?

The surname Keenan is of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic name "Ó Cianáin," which roughly translates to "descendant of Cianán." The name Cianán is a diminutive form of "Cian," meaning 'ancient' or 'enduring' in Gaelic. Therefore, Keenan could be interpreted as the "descendant of the ancient or enduring one." This name was commonly found in the regions of Ulster and County Meath in Ireland. Like many Gaelic surnames, Keenan has various spellings, including Kinnane, O'Keenan, and Keenane. Despite its Irish roots, the surname's usage has become widespread around the globe due to migration and Irish diaspora, and it can commonly be found in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.

Keenan: Where does the name Keenan come from?

The surname Keenan is of Irish origin, specifically derived from Anglicised form of Gaelic Ó Cianáin. This family name, Keenan, has been translated to mean "ancient" or "distant."

The Keenan family were a sept (clan) active around the border regions of counties Fermanagh and Monaghan in Ireland. Due to widespread emigration prompted largely by the Great Famine in the 19th century, Irish surnames like Keenan have spread all over the world.

Today, the Keenan surname is found most commonly in the United States, followed by England and Ireland. Within the United States, it has a significant presence particularly in New York, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Illinois due to the concentration of Irish immigrants in these areas. In Ireland, it is most prevalent in the northeastern region, in counties such as Antrim, Down, and Londonderry, as well as in its original regions of Fermanagh and Monaghan.

Variations of the surname Keenan

The surname Keenan has Irish origins and has several variations, some of which stem from the spelling and pronunciation differences from the Gaelic original. This surname originates from the Gaelic name "O'Cianain," meaning "descendant of Cianan."

The variations of Keenan include but are not limited to: Kennan, Kenan, Keenon, Keeney, Kenyon, Keinon, and Kienen. Anglicised forms sometimes drop the 'O'', resulting in plain 'Cianain'. Over time, and with geographic dispersion, the surname has also morphed into several others such as Kinnane, Kinnin, and Kennon.

In Ireland itself, the surname Keenan may have regional variants like O’Kean, O’Keane, O’Keene, or O’Kane in the north, while in the south it is more commonly found as Kean, Keane, or Kane.

Different spelling variants of this surname can also be found in other countries due to translation or pronunciation variations. For example, in the United States, the surname Keenan might also appear as Keen, Keene, Keenan, or Keenon.

Overall, the surname Keenan has many variants, some of which have come about due to regional dialects, while others are due to translation and cultural adaptations.

Famous people with the name Keenan

• Maynard James Keenan: An American singer, songwriter, musician, record producer, actor, and winemaker, best known as the vocalist for the rock bands Tool, A Perfect Circle, and Puscifer.
• Alfred Shaughnessy: An English playwright who used the pseudonym Andrew Keenan unofficially.
• Alice Keenan: A Canadian journalist, best known for her role as a reporter at CBC.
• Edward Keenan: An American composer, known for his compositions and musical innovations.
• Paul Keenan: A former Irish professional footballer who played as a defensive midfielder.
• Nick Keenan: An experienced AFL listed player, senior football coach and physical education teacher.
• Bertie Keenan: An Irish hurler who played as a right wing-back for the Offaly senior team.
• Caitriona Keenan: An Irish camogie player.
• Keenan Wynn: An American character actor who was born Francis Xavier Aloysius James Jeremiah Keenan Wynn.
• Michael Keenan: Served as an Australian politician, and was a member of the Australian House of Representatives.
• Ian Keenan, New Zealand cricketer.
• Noel Keenan, Scottish footballer.
• Andy Keenan, Irish footballer.
• Dan Keenan, Gaelic footballer.
• Art Keenan, American racecar driver.

Other surnames

KeenaKeenahan