Keagan is a name of Irish origin, derived from the Irish surname Macághaidh. The name Macághaidh itself is believed to come from the Gaelic word "cág," which means "young, vigorous, or energetic." Therefore, Keagan can be interpreted as meaning "vigorous" or "energetic."
The origins of the Macághaidh clan can be traced back to the 14th century in Ireland. They were part of the Uí Fiachrach dynasty and were known for their bravery and military prowess. The clan's name was eventually anglicized to MacKeegan or Keagan over time.
The name Keagan has gained popularity as a given name, particularly in English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia. According to data from the Social Security Administration, Keagan first appeared on the list of most popular baby names for boys in the United States in 2004, reaching its peak popularity in 2007 when it ranked at number 356.
While Keagan is traditionally a boy's name, some parents have also chosen to use it as a girl's name. In fact, according to BabyCenter data, Keagan has been on the list of most popular baby names for girls in the United States since 2018, although its popularity remains relatively low compared to other names.
Overall, Keagan is a unique and energetic-sounding name with Irish roots and a rich history. Whether used as a boy's or girl's name, it carries a strong and dynamic meaning that has appealed to parents for over a decade now.
The name Keagan has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past few decades in the United States. Between 1977 and 2023, there have been a total of 8,568 births recorded for this name.
During the late 1970s and early 1980s, Keagan was relatively uncommon, with fewer than ten babies given this name each year. However, starting in the mid-1980s, there was a noticeable increase in its popularity. In 1986, there were 15 births recorded for Keagan, and by 1988, that number had more than doubled to 37.
The 1990s marked a significant turning point for the name Keagan. Between 1990 and 2000, the number of babies named Keagan more than quadrupled, from 42 births in 1990 to 235 in 2000. This trend continued into the new millennium, with over 300 babies given the name each year between 2001 and 2006.
The peak of Keagan's popularity was reached in 2007, with a total of 493 births recorded that year. However, since then, there has been a gradual decline in its usage. Between 2008 and 2023, the number of babies named Keagan has decreased by over 75%, with only 104 births recorded in 2023.
Despite this recent decrease in popularity, Keagan remains a widely recognized name in the United States. Its usage has fluctuated significantly over the past four decades, but its total number of births places it firmly within the top 1,000 most popular names during that time period.