Kean

The surname "Kean" is of ancient English origin and is derived from the Old Gaelic personal name "Cian", meaning "ancient" or "enduring". The name is of early medieval origin, making it one of the oldest and most distinguished surnames in the British Isles.

Origins and Distribution

The earliest records of the Kean surname date back to the 12th century in England and Scotland. The name was originally found in Devonshire, Somerset, and Cornwall in England, and in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire in Scotland. Over the centuries, the Kean surname has spread throughout the United Kingdom and beyond, with significant populations in Ireland, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Notable Bearers

  • Edmund Kean (1787-1833): A renowned British stage actor of the early 19th century, known for his Shakespearean performances.
  • Roy Kean (b. 1971): A former professional footballer from Ireland who played for Nottingham Forest and Manchester United.
  • Alesha Dixon (nee Kean, b. 1978): British singer, dancer, and television personality.

Variants

Variants of the Kean surname include Keane, Kane, Keen, and Keaney.

Crest and Coat of Arms

The Kean family crest typically features a shield with intricate symbols and motifs, reflecting the family's heritage and values. The coat of arms often includes elements such as lions, eagles, and other heraldic symbols.

In modern times, the Kean surname continues to be borne with pride by individuals of British and Irish descent, who carry on the legacy and traditions associated with this distinguished surname.

There are approximately 2,438 people named Kean in the UK. That makes it roughly the 3,574th most common surname in Britain. Around 37 in a million people in Britain are named Kean.

Surname type: From given name or forename

Origin: Celtic

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: Scotland

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: Gaelic

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Robert
  • Stephen
  • Thomas
  • William

Female

  • Ann
  • Anne
  • Elizabeth
  • Helen
  • Jacqueline
  • Jennifer
  • Julie
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Patricia
  • Sarah
  • Sharon
  • Susan

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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