Keene is an uncommon yet distinctive given name of English origin. It is derived from the surname Keene, which itself has two possible sources. The more common origin is that it is a variant spelling of the Welsh surname Kynan, meaning "from Cynan's family." Alternatively, it could be derived from an Old English personal name composed of the elements 'cyne' and 'heafod', translating to "king's head."
The name Keene gained prominence in England during the Middle Ages. It was often used as a given name, though its usage has declined significantly over time. Today, it is still considered a unique choice for parents seeking an unusual yet meaningful name for their child.
Notable individuals with the name Keene include American actor Keenen Ivory Wayans and English cricketer Keene Duncan, among others. Despite its rarity, Keene has left its mark on popular culture, appearing in various books, films, and television shows throughout history.
In summary, Keene is a unique and historic given name with roots tracing back to Wales and England. While it may not be as commonly heard today, its distinctiveness makes it an appealing choice for parents seeking something different for their child's name.
Over the span of a century (1918-2022), the name Keene experienced varying popularity with peaks and valleys in its birth frequency. The highest number of births occurred in recent years, notably in 2014 with 18 births and 2015 with 14 births. However, there were also periods where the name's popularity declined significantly, such as between 1923 and 1950 when there were only a few births each year on average. Overall, there were a total of 460 births named Keene during this time.