Keean is a unique and distinctive given name of Irish origin. The name comes from the Irish surname Keane, which was derived from the Irish Gaelic name "Ó Cainnigh," meaning "descendant of Cainneach." Cainneach is an ancient Irish personal name that means "comely" or "attractive."
The surname Keane has a long and rich history in Ireland, dating back to at least the 13th century. The name was originally borne by a sept, or clan, from County Galway on the west coast of Ireland. Over time, the name spread throughout Ireland and beyond, as families with the surname migrated to other parts of the world.
The given name Keean is a modern variant of the Irish surname Keane. It has gained popularity in recent years, particularly among parents looking for unique and distinctive names for their children. Despite its Irish origins, Keean is not widely used in Ireland itself, but it has found favor elsewhere, particularly in English-speaking countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
In terms of its meaning, Keean carries the same significance as its root name Keane: "descendant of Cainneach," with Cainneach translating to "comely" or "attractive." While there is no specific story or legend associated with the name Keean itself, it is linked to the broader history and culture of Ireland.
Today, Keean remains a relatively rare but distinctive given name, perfect for parents seeking a unique choice for their child. Its Irish origins add a touch of heritage and cultural richness to the name, while its modern spelling gives it a contemporary feel. Overall, Keean is a compelling choice for those looking for an uncommon yet meaningful name with a strong connection to Irish history and culture.
The name Keean has seen a varied trend in popularity over the past few decades in the United States. The earliest recorded birth of a child named Keean was in 1987, with five babies given this name that year. This number remained consistent for the following years, with another five births in 1989 and 1990.
However, starting from 1991, there was an increase in the popularity of the name Keean. That year saw eight births, which then rose to ten in 1994. The mid-to-late 1990s continued this upward trend, with a peak of 25 births recorded in 2004.
Despite this spike, the popularity of the name Keean began to decline from 2005 onwards. There were 13 births that year, which then fell to single digits for several years, reaching a low of seven births in 2020.
Recently, however, there has been a resurgence in the popularity of the name Keean. After touching a low of seven births in 2020, there were 16 births recorded in 2023, marking a significant increase from previous years.
In total, over the period from 1987 to 2023, there have been 417 babies named Keean born in the United States. This demonstrates that while the popularity of this name has fluctuated over time, it remains a name of choice for many parents across several decades.