Keanen is a name of Irish origin, meaning "ancient" or "old". It is derived from the Irish word "céad", which means "first" or "initial". The name Keanen is believed to have been brought to Ireland by early Celtic settlers and has since become a popular choice for parents looking for a unique and meaningful name for their child.
The name Keanen has a long history in Ireland, with many notable figures throughout the centuries bearing this name. One of the most famous was Keanen O'Higgins, who was born in County Tyrone in 1727. He went on to become a prominent Irish politician and played a significant role in the Irish War of Independence.
Despite its Irish origins, Keanen has also gained popularity in other parts of the world. In the United States, for example, it has been used as a given name since at least the 19th century, although it remains relatively uncommon compared to more traditional names like John or Michael.
Today, Keanen continues to be a popular choice for parents looking for a unique and meaningful name for their child. Its Irish origins give it a sense of history and tradition, while its meaning adds depth and significance to the name. Whether you're looking for a name with Irish roots or simply one that has a deep and profound meaning, Keanen is an excellent choice.
The name Keanen has been a relatively uncommon choice for newborns in the United States over the past four decades, with a total of 134 babies being given this name since 1979.
The popularity of Keanen as a baby name has fluctuated over time. It experienced its peak years in terms of frequency in the late 1980s and early to mid-1990s, with nine births recorded in 1990 and ten births each in 1992, 1993, and 1998.
Interestingly, Keanen's popularity seems to have been influenced by cultural trends or regional preferences. For instance, it saw a significant spike in usage from 1999 to 2000 with eleven births recorded during this period. However, it quickly declined afterwards, with only five births each in 2002 and 2003.
Since then, Keanen has remained relatively steady but infrequent as a baby name choice, with an average of around six to eight births per year from 2004 onwards. This indicates that while the name may not be extremely popular, it still holds some appeal for parents looking for unique and uncommon names for their newborns.
In summary, Keanen has had a somewhat erratic but consistent presence on the American baby naming scene since the late 1970s, with its popularity waxing and waning over time. Despite this variability, it remains a distinctive choice that some parents continue to favor for their children.