Surname Keeny - Meaning and Origin
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Keeny: What does the surname Keeny mean?
The surname Keeny is of Irish origin. It derived from the last name Ó Catháin, which is an old Gaelic surname originally taken from the Irish word "cath", meaning "battle". This is likely the reason why the Keeny last name has often been described as a “warlike” name, as it most likely began to be used by fierce and belligerent warriors.
Today, the Keeny last name is used in many English-speaking countries, especially across the British Isles and the United States. It is most commonly found in places such as Ireland, Scotland, England and the United States.
In terms of its meaning, the Keeny last name is associated with strength, courage, and bravery. This could be attributed to its original association with warriors, who were brave enough to lead their men into battle and protect their families. It could also be indicative of the brave commitment and strength of purpose the Keeny family has embodied for centuries.
The Keeny last name is also associated with a deep sense of commitment, loyalty, and family. Throughout its history, the Keeny family has maintained a strong sense of family values, and has gone to great lengths to uphold them. The Keenys have always placed an emphasis on strong family ties, and the holding of those values have helped them maintain their legacy and name for centuries.
Order DNA origin analysisKeeny: Where does the name Keeny come from?
The last name Keeny is most commonly found in the United States of America and Ireland. It is a surname of Irish and English origin, and is considered fairly uncommon.
In the United States the highest concentration of Keeny households is in Pennsylvania. In the 1990 US Census, Pennsylvania had the highest number of people reported with the Keeny surname, followed by Ohio, New York, Massachusetts, and New Jersey.
In Ireland, the Keeny name is most common in Counties Galway and Mayo. The English variant of the surname, Keen, is most common in the counties of Somerset and Dorset, suggesting a movement of the surname from Ireland to England.
Today, the surname Keeny is found worldwide. It is particularly common in the southern United States, where people with the surname migrated through the States in the late 19th and early 20th Centuries. Keeny is also seen in various other countries, including Canada, England, Scotland, and Australia.
Ultimately, the Keeny surname can trace its origins to Ireland and England. With so many branches of the family having moved across the world, it is found in many locations today.
Variations of the surname Keeny
The surname Keeny is an Irish surname derived from the Gaelic "O'Caoinigh", which in English translates to "son of the beloved" or "loved one". Variations of the Keeny surname include Keane, Kain, Kaines, Kearn, Kene, Kenn, Kenna, Kenney, Kenny, Kin, Kinah, Kinen, Kinne, Kyn, Kynne and O'Keeny.
The surname Keeny in its original Irish form first originated in County Kerry before migrating to other parts of Ireland. It is also found in England, Scotland, the United States, Canada, and Australia.
Though variants of the Keeny surname are similar to other surnames, the McCooey, Campbell, and O'Keefe surnames are distinct and unrelated.
The surname Keeny has been recorded in England since the 16th century. One of the earliest records of Keeny in England is that of William Keeney, born in 1594 in Leatherhead, Surrey.
The most predominant spelling of the Keeney surname found in the United States today is Kenny. This spelling is likely due to immigration from Scotland and Northern Ireland, as the spelling is typical in these areas.
In Ireland, the Keane spelling is most common. The Keogh and Kain surnames are the most prevalent variations of Keane found in America today. Kain was adopted in some cases in Scotland and may be an adoption of the derivations of the Gaelic MacCatoin as an Anglicized form.
In addition to these spellings, there are other variants, including McNee and McNeece. These variants are likely derived from the Gaelic Mac an Fhíodh, meaning "son of the deer".
Famous people with the name Keeny
- Isaac Keeny: Singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist from Brooklyn, New York
- David Keeny: Emmy-nominated composer and producer of film scores and television themes
- Ty Keeney: Football wide receiver in the NFL
- Reece Keeney: Professional BMX rider from Dallas, Texas
- Kristin Keeney: Professional freestyle snowboarder
- Tim Keeney: Former professional basketball player
- Joe Keeny: Country music singer/songwriter
- Connor Keeney: Actor known for his roles in TV series such as House of Cards
- Austin Keeney: Popular YouTube content creator
- Andrea Keeney: Winner of the Miss Venice Beach Pageant 2019
- Patrick Keeney: Professional skateboarder and sponsored athlete
- Mark Keeney: Award winning TV producer, specialising in outdoor reality shows
- Daniel Keeney: Social media influencer and competitive gamer
- David Keeney Jr: American artist, sculptor and painter
- Shane Keeney: American actor and stunt performer
- Kenneth Keeney: Former Chairman of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers