Keagen is a unique and distinctive given name of Irish origin. It is derived from the ancient Irish surname "MacCathmhaoil," which means "son of Cathmaol." The name Cathmaol itself is believed to mean "warm, gentle, or peaceful" in Gaelic.
The name Keagen has a rich history that dates back centuries. It is thought to have been borne by many notable figures throughout Irish history, including several chiefs and clan leaders. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name appears in the Annals of the Four Masters, an important collection of medieval Irish chronicles, where a Keagan O'Connor is mentioned as being active during the 13th century.
Over time, the name evolved from its original form, MacCathmhaoil, to MacKeighan and eventually Keagen. Despite these changes, the core meaning and pronunciation have remained relatively consistent throughout history.
Today, Keagen remains a rare but memorable choice for parents seeking an uncommon yet meaningful name for their child. While it is still most commonly found in Ireland, Keagen has begun to appear more frequently in other English-speaking countries as well, particularly in the United States and Canada.
In summary, Keagen is an Irish given name with a long and storied history. With its warm and gentle meaning and unique sound, it continues to be a distinctive choice for parents looking for a meaningful and uncommon name for their child.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Keagen has seen a significant increase in popularity over time, particularly during the late 1990s to early 2000s. From 1992 to 2003, there was an average of approximately 35 births per year with this name. However, from 2004 onwards, there was a noticeable spike in popularity, with the number of births per year reaching as high as 74 in 2007 and 90 in 2008.
Interestingly, after peaking in 2008, the popularity of Keagen began to decline steadily. By 2016, the number of births had decreased to just 24, and it continued to fall thereafter, reaching a low of 5 births in 2023. This trend suggests that while Keagen was once quite popular, its popularity has since waned.
Overall, from 1992 to 2023, there were a total of 1041 births with the name Keagen recorded in the United States. Despite fluctuations in popularity over time, this figure indicates that the name has remained relatively common throughout this period.