Surname Keelahan - Meaning and Origin
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Keelahan: What does the surname Keelahan mean?
The surname Keelahan is an Anglicized version of the Irish name Ó Céileacháin, which is derived from the Gaelic word “céile” meaning “companion”. Historians believe the Ó Céileacháin family were originally a sept of the Uí Muiredaig family who were chiefs in the Ulster region of Ireland and based in what is now County Cavan.
The name Keelahan has various spellings such as Keelyhan, Keelan, and Keeling. The meaning of the surname can vary by spelling, with Keelyhan indicating an emphasis on guardianship and Keeling being derived from a hill or area in Scotland.
The name Keelahan still has strong cultural ties to Irish culture. It appears on the lit of the (Irish) “Coats of Arms”, which is a representation of the family's ancestry, and is still found in parts of Ireland today.
The Keelahan family have a long-standing history in Ireland, traceable to the reign of the Kings of Ulster. They are from an ancient and noble family, whose exploits led to their name being embossed on arms and shields to commemorate significant events.
The Keelahans have gone on to have great success in the world, with countless members of the family being politicians, business owners, and successful entrepreneurs. The Keelahans have celebrated their heritage and forged a legacy of success, making them a notable and recognizable Irish family for generations to come.
Order DNA origin analysisKeelahan: Where does the name Keelahan come from?
The last name Keelahan is of Irish origin, which is where it is most commonly seen today. It is believed that the surname derived from the Irish words Ceallach or Ceallachan, which both roughly translate to “strife” or “contention”. The last name is also quite widespread in The United Kingdom, found primarily in England and in Northern Ireland. It is also found in other countries such as the United States and Australia.
In the United States, Keelahan is found in many states, but the highest concentration of individuals with this surname is located in New York and California. In Australia, the Keelahan name is quite popular in the state of Victoria.
While Keelahan is not the most common Irish last name, it is quite popular amongst those of Irish descent, particularly in the regions mentioned above. As an ancient and strong Irish surname, Keelahans can be found throughout the world today and can trace their roots back to the Emerald Isle.
Variations of the surname Keelahan
The surname Keelahan is an Irish name often found in County Galway and County Mayo in Ireland. Variations of the Keelahan surname exist, such as Keelan, Kealy, Killeen, Killian and Keeley.
Keelahan is derived from the Irish Gaelic name “Ó Cadhlaigh”, meaning “descendant of Cadhlaigh”, with Cadhlaigh being an ancient name derived from the Irish word “cadhalach”, which means “fierce warrior”.
The name Keelahan can also be found asKealy, Killian, Killeen, and Keeley. The spelling of this surname has changed over the years, as very few people could read or write in Irish Gaelic in the 1600s and 1700s. It is often spelled as Kealy, Killian or Killeen in Ireland.
In the United States, the Keelahan surname is most commonly found in Pennsylvania, New York, and Massachusetts. In America, the Keelahan surname also can be found spelled as Kealy, Killian, Killeen, and Keeley.
The Keelahan surname is also found in Irish emigrant communities in England, Scotland, Canada, and Australia. The Keelahan surname is found in all of these countries under the alternative spellings of Kealy, Killian, Killeen, and Keeley.
The Keelahan descendants spread throughout the world and can still be found today in many countries, often intermarried with other Irish surnames. The Keelahan surname remains common around the world, with many Keelahans tracing their family names back to their great-grandparents and earlier.
Famous people with the name Keelahan
- Rían Keelahan: Irish actor, writer and filmmaker.
- Conor Keelahan: former professional Irish footballer.
- Prudence Keelahan: American regional novelist.
- Mick Keelahan: British actor and comedian best known for his roles in Doctor Who.
- Morgan Keelahan: Canadian film and television actress.
- Greg Keelahan: Australian actor and voice artist.
- Jordan Keelahan: American MMA fighter and competitor on The Ultimate Fighter: Redemption.
- Jack Keelahan: American painter and sculptor.
- Bill Keelahan: former professional rugby league footballer.
- Simon Keelahan: British fashion photographer.