Keefe is a unique and distinctive given name of Irish origin. It is derived from the Irish surname "Ó Caoidhe", which means "descendant of Caoidhe". The name Caoidhe itself comes from an old Irish word that signifies "comely" or "beautiful".
The surname Ó Caoidhe was originally borne by a sept of the Ui Fiachrach, a historic Highland clan in County Mayo, Ireland. Over time, some families anglicized their names to Keefe, and it is from these families that the given name Keefe likely evolved.
While not extensively documented like many other names, Keefe has been used as a given name in Irish families for generations. It has maintained its unique character and has become associated with the Celtic culture and heritage of Ireland.
As a given name, Keefe is often chosen for its distinctive sound and its connection to Irish history and culture. It has also gained popularity in recent years due to its association with the successful fantasy novel series "The Iron King" by Julie Kagawa, in which a character named Keegan, often referred to as Keefe, plays a significant role.
Overall, Keefe is a name that carries a sense of Irish heritage and uniqueness, making it an appealing choice for parents looking for a distinctive and meaningful name for their child.
Based on the statistics provided for the name Keefe in the United States from 1952 to 2012, we can observe several trends and patterns over time.
From 1952 to 1973, there was a noticeable increase in the number of births with the name Keefe. The highest point during this period was reached in 1963 with 33 births. This suggests that the name gained popularity during this decade. However, it is important to note that even at its peak, the name Keefe remained relatively uncommon compared to other names.
After 1973, the number of births with the name Keefe began to fluctuate and generally decreased over time. The highest point after 1973 was reached in 1984 with 20 births. This period also saw some years where there were no recorded births with the name Keefe, such as in 1955, 1965, and from 2003 to 2009.
From 2010 onwards, there was a slight increase in the number of births with the name Keefe, with 6 births recorded each year until 2012. This suggests that the name may have regained some popularity among parents during this period.
In total, over the span of 61 years from 1952 to 2012, there were a reported 658 births with the name Keefe in the United States. While the popularity of the name has ebbed and flowed over time, it remains a unique and distinctive choice for parents looking for an uncommon name for their child.
Overall, these statistics provide insights into the historical trends of the name Keefe in the United States and demonstrate how its popularity has waxed and waned over time.