Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Keegan is an Irish name that means 'small and fiery', originating from the surname Caoimhín. It evolved from 'Caoimhín' to its modern form. The name reflects traits of gentleness and kindness. There is no direct biblical relevance. It gained popularity in the 20th century and is currently seen as modern and trendy, often associated with energetic individuals.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈkiːɡən/
Origin
Irish
Etymology
The name Keegan is derived from the Irish surname 'Caoimhín', which means 'descendant of Caomhín'. The root 'caomh' translates to 'gentle' or 'kind'.
Meaning
small and fiery
Language Evolution
Caoimhín, Keegan
Historical Usage
Keegan gained popularity in the 20th century, particularly in Ireland and among Irish diaspora communities in the United States.
Variants & Derivatives
Kegan, Keagan, Caoimhín
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Keegan is perceived as a modern and trendy name, often associated with a youthful and spirited personality.
Famous People
Keegan Allen - American actor and photographer, Keegan-Michael Key - American actor, comedian, and producer
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 1,888 peak births in 2007
Geographic Spread
Popular across 50 US states, with strongest presence in Vermont
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 8 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (12 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 12 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 1670th of 10718 | 452 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 509th of 16616 | 5,513 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 255th of 24088 | 21,018 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 364th of 23106 | 11,080 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 8908th of 19264 | 60 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 2581st of 27321 | 700 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 1699th of 35406 | 1,889 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 2081st of 30306 | 1,108 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
44.74% 1314th/2937 |
49.61% 1728th/3483 |
64.38% 2265th/3518 |
32.91% 1331st/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
9.66% 356th/3685 |
12.94% 579th/4475 |
13.32% 692nd/5194 |
7.36% 465th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
3.43% 157th/4582 |
4.88% 252nd/5164 |
4.42% 323rd/7313 |
4.18% 312th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
6.60% 263rd/3984 |
6.89% 309th/4487 |
5.57% 380th/6822 |
8.60% 540th/6276 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
57.34% 2113th/3685 |
82.53% 3693rd/4475 |
62.71% 3257th/5194 |
59.54% 3761st/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
27.94% 1280th/4582 |
44.19% 2282nd/5164 |
24.23% 1772nd/7313 |
35.35% 2638th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
46.41% 1849th/3984 |
59.04% 2649th/4487 |
31.96% 2180th/6822 |
61.27% 3845th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in Vermont across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) generation in the MidWest region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been falling for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 1670th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 509th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 255th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 364th out of 23106 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 8908th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 2581st out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 1699th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 2081st out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.