Keating is an Irish surname and given name of Norman origin. It is derived from the Old French word "caint," which means "song" or "poem." The name was likely brought to Ireland by Norman settlers during the medieval period.
The Keating family, originally known as de Cintra, were a prominent literary family in medieval Ireland. Pádraigín Ní Thréatna, also known as Peadar Cluasóg, was an Irish bard and chief Ollamh (poet) of Ireland who bore the surname Keating in the 17th century.
The name has since been passed down through generations and is still popular today. While it may have originated as a surname, Keating has also become a given name for boys and girls. It is often associated with intelligence, creativity, and artistic ability due to its literary history. However, like any name, the personality traits of those who bear it can vary greatly.
In summary, Keating is an Irish surname and given name of Norman origin that means "song" or "poem." It has a rich literary history, with notable figures such as Pádraigín Ní Thréatna having borne the name. Today, Keating is still popular as both a surname and a given name for boys and girls.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Keating has seen a consistent level of popularity in the United States over the past decade or so. Between 2010 and 2021, there were a total of 21 babies born in the U.S. with the name Keating. This indicates that while it's not one of the most popular names, it is still chosen by some parents each year.
Interestingly, the number of babies named Keating has been relatively steady over this period, with five births recorded each in 2012, 2016, and 2021. There was a slight increase to six births in 2010, suggesting that perhaps that year saw a particular spike in interest for the name.
Despite its consistent appearance on birth records, Keating remains somewhat uncommon compared to other names. However, this could also mean that parents who choose the name Keating are intentionally selecting something less common and more unique for their child. Ultimately, these statistics demonstrate how certain names can maintain a steady level of popularity over time while remaining distinctive.