Keelan is a unique and charming name of Irish origin. It is derived from the Irish surname "Ó Cellaigh," which means "descendant of Cellach." Cellach was a personal name that means "bright-headed" or "full of brightness." Thus, Keelan signifies brightness, intelligence, and wisdom.
The name Keelan has a rich history in Ireland. It was originally associated with an ancient Irish clan known as the O'Cellaighs, who were chiefs of the Hy-Cellaig territory in County Tipperary. The surname O'Cellaigh was later anglicized to Keelan over time.
Keelan is also believed to have been used as a given name during the Middle Ages in Ireland. However, it has only recently started gaining popularity as a boy's name in recent years. Despite its Irish roots, Keelan has also become popular in other English-speaking countries such as England and the United States.
Today, Keelan is often associated with intelligence, curiosity, and creativity due to its meaning and origins. It is a strong yet approachable name that stands out while still being easy to pronounce and spell. Whether used as a first or middle name, Keelan has a timeless quality that makes it an attractive choice for parents looking for something unique and meaningful for their child.
Statistics on the given name Keelan in the United States show a varied trend over the years, with fluctuations indicating shifts in popularity.
Starting from 1974, there were only five recorded births with the name Keelan. However, this number nearly doubled by 1982 with six births that year. The highest peak occurred in 2007 and 2008, with 18 and 16 births respectively, indicating a significant increase in popularity during these years.
Interestingly, after reaching its peak, the popularity of the name Keelan began to decrease steadily. Between 2009 and 2014, the number of births with this name ranged from 13 to 12, showing a decline from the previous highs. This downward trend continued into recent years, with only nine births in 2015 and seven births each in 2016 and 2017.
However, there was a slight resurgence in popularity in 2019 with ten births recorded that year. Despite this uptick, the most recent data from 2021 and 2022 shows another decline, with seven and five births respectively.
Over the span of these years, a total of 351 children were named Keelan at birth in the United States. These statistics provide insight into the changing trends in naming practices over time, with Keelan experiencing periods of popularity followed by decreases in usage.