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 experienced significant growth in popularity over the years, with a notable spike starting from the late 1980s and peaking in the early to mid-2000s. Between 1986 and 2004, there was an increase from 31 births per year to a peak of 181 births in 2007. After this peak, the popularity of the name Keegan began to decline, with fewer than 150 births recorded each year since then, reaching as low as 56 births in 2022. Overall, there have been a total of 3701 babies named Keegan from 1976 to 2023.