KEEN

Origin and etymology In historic texts In the 1881 census Distribution map

Keen

Origin: Keen is a surname that derives from both Old English and Old Norse origins. In Old English, the name was used to denote a person who was sharp-witted, brave, or eager. In Old Norse, it was used as a byname for a bold, keen, or fierce individual.

Distribution: The surname Keen is most commonly found in southern England, especially in counties like Kent, Surrey, and Sussex. It can also be found in parts of Wales and Scotland.

Notable Individuals:

Daphne Keen: a British-Spanish actress known for her role as Laura Kinney (X-23) in the film Logan.
Melody Keen: a British author and historian who has written extensively on Tudor history.
Danny Keen: a professional footballer who played for various clubs in the English Football League.

Variants: Variations of the surname Keen include Keene, Keane, and Kean.

Popularity and Legacy: The surname Keen continues to be a fairly common surname in the United Kingdom and has spread to other English-speaking countries. Its ancient roots and positive connotations have contributed to its enduring popularity.

There are approximately 11,759 people named Keen in the UK. That makes it the 774th most common surname in Britain. Around 181 in a million people in Britain are named Keen.

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
Christopher
David
James
John
Michael
Paul
Peter
Robert
Stephen

Female

Elizabeth
Emma
Helen
Julie
Karen
Margaret
Mary
Patricia
Sarah
Susan

Similar and related surnames

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