Keenan is a name of Irish origin, derived from the ancient Gaelic name "Cianán," which means "little old woman." This name was often given to boys in Ireland during the Middle Ages, as it was thought to bring good fortune and protect them from evil spirits.
The name Keenan has a rich history in Ireland. It is believed that Saint Cianán, who lived in the 6th century, was the first person to bear this name. He was known for his piety and miracles, and many legends surround his life and work. As a result, the name Keenan became popular among Irish families and has been passed down through generations.
In recent years, Keenan has gained popularity as a boys' name outside of Ireland. It is often spelled "Keanan" or "Kianan," but its pronunciation remains the same: KEEN-un. Despite its traditional Irish roots, Keenan is now used worldwide and can be found among families of various cultural backgrounds.
Overall, Keenan is a unique and historic name with a beautiful meaning that reflects its ancient Gaelic origins. It is a strong and memorable name that continues to be loved by parents and their children alike.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Keenan has seen varying popularity over the years in the United States. The first recorded birth with the name Keenan was in 1964, with a total of 6 births that year.
The popularity of the name Keenan peaked between the late 1970s and early 1990s, with notable spikes occurring in:
* 1979, with 13 births
* 1985, with 10 births
* 1990, with 14 births
* 1991, with 18 births
* 1992, with 16 births
During this period, Keenan was likely a popular choice among parents naming their newborn sons.
However, since the mid-1990s, the popularity of the name Keenan has decreased significantly. There were consistently fewer than 10 births per year between 1993 and 2018, with some years seeing as few as 5 births (in 1993, 1998, 1999, and 2018).
Despite the decline in popularity, Keenan remains a name with historical significance in the United States. With a total of 334 births recorded over the years, it is clear that many parents have chosen this name for their sons.