Keegan is a name of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic surname "Ó Seanain," which means "descendant of Seanín." Seanín is a diminutive form of the name John, so Keegan ultimately means "little John" or "son of John." The name has been popular in Ireland for centuries and was traditionally used as both a first name and a last name.
The earliest known use of the name Keegan as a given name dates back to the 18th century in Ireland. It became more widespread during the Victorian era, around the mid-19th century, when many Irish immigrants settled in England and other parts of the world, carrying their unique names with them. Today, Keegan is considered a modern classic, often used as both a first name for boys and a surname.
Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals named Keegan, contributing to its popularity and recognition. One of the most famous was Irish writer Seán Ó Ceallacháin (also known by his anglicized name, Sean Keegan), who was born in 1894 and is best known for his play "Midsummer Night Madness." Other notable figures include American actor Keegan Allen, born in 1989, who gained fame for his role as Toby Cavanaugh on the television series Pretty Little Liars.
In recent years, Keegan has also been popular among parents looking for unique and strong-sounding names for their sons. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, Keegan was among the top 1000 most popular boys' names between 2000 and 2020, with its highest ranking being number 465 in 2003.
In summary, Keegan is an Irish name that means "little John" or "son of John." With a history dating back centuries and several notable figures throughout time, this name has become well-established and continues to be popular among parents today. Its unique sound and Irish heritage contribute to its enduring appeal.
The name Keegan has seen a significant increase in popularity over the years, particularly from the late 1980s onwards. In 1976, only 13 babies were named Keegan, but this number began to rise steadily each year.
By 1982, there were 36 births with the name Keegan, and this figure reached an all-time high in 2007 with 181 births. This popularity can be attributed to various factors such as the growing recognition of Irish names and culture, the success of celebrities named Keegan, or simply the appeal of unique and distinctive names.
However, like many trends, the popularity of the name Keegan began to decline after reaching its peak. From 2018 onwards, the number of births with this name fell significantly, reaching just 56 in 2022. This downward trend continues into 2023 with 65 births recorded so far.
Overall, over the past 47 years (from 1976 to 2023), a total of 3701 babies have been named Keegan in the United States. While this name may not be as popular today as it was during its peak in the early 2000s, it remains a well-recognized and established name with a rich history in recent years.