KEENAN
Keenan
Keenan is a surname of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic name "O'Cianáin," meaning "descendant of Cianán." The name is predominantly found in Ireland and Scotland, but has also spread to other parts of the world, including the United Kingdom.
Origins and History
The Keenan surname is most commonly associated with County Donegal in Ireland, where the O'Cianáin clan originated. The clan has a long history, with records dating back to medieval times. Many Keenan families migrated to Scotland during the 17th and 18th centuries, particularly during the Plantation of Ulster.
Distribution and Variants
The surname Keenan is most prevalent in Ireland, particularly in Ulster and Connacht. In Scotland, it is more common in the lowlands. Variants of the name include Kinnane, Kenan, and Kinane.
Notable Individuals
- Brian Keenan (b. 1949) - An Irish writer and former hostage held in Lebanon from 1986 to 1990.
- Ciaran Keenan - A British actor known for his roles in theatre and television.
- Denise Keenan - An Irish politician who served as Minister for Equality and Law Reform.
Legacy
The Keenan surname carries a strong sense of Irish heritage and identity. Many individuals bearing the name have made significant contributions in the fields of literature, politics, and the arts. The name continues to be passed down through generations, linking modern-day bearers to their ancestral roots in Ireland and Scotland.
In conclusion, the surname Keenan is a prominent part of Irish and Scottish history, reflecting the enduring legacy of the O'Cianáin clan and its descendants.
There are approximately 10,481 people named Keenan in the UK. That makes it the 884th most common surname in Britain. Around 161 in a million people in Britain are named Keenan.
Origin: Celtic
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: Ireland
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: Gaelic
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Christopher
- David
- James
- John
- Michael
- Patrick
- Paul
- Peter
- Stephen
- Thomas
- William
Female
- Ann
- Anne
- Catherine
- Elizabeth
- Helen
- Kathleen
- Margaret
- Mary
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
- Canan
- Cannan
- Kanan
- Kannan
- Kanani
- Kanaan
- Cainan
- Kanane
- Keena
- Keanan
- Keannan
- Keenam
- Keenay
- Keenhan
- Keenna
- Keennan
- Keinan
- Keinnan
- Kenaan
- Kenan
- Kenehan
- Kennan
- Keynan
- Khanan
- Kienan
- Keana
- Keean
- Keenagh
- Keenahan
- Keenen
- Keenin
- Keenon
- Keneen
- Kenman
- Kenna
- Kennand
- Kennian
- Kenyan
- Khanani
- Kinan
- Kynan
- Cannon
- Gannon
- Guinan
- Kinnon
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.