Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Kegan is an Irish name meaning 'fire', derived from the Gaelic Mac Aodhagáin. It has evolved from Aodh to Aodhagán and then to Kegan. The name reflects traits of warmth and passion. It has no biblical relevance and gained popularity outside of Ireland in the late 20th century. Notable individuals with this name include Kegan Allen and Kegan O'Leary.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈkiːɡən/
Origin
Irish
Etymology
The name Kegan is derived from the Gaelic surname 'Mac Aodhagáin', meaning 'son of Aodhagán', with Aodhagán being a diminutive form of Aodh, which means 'fire'.
Meaning
fire
Language Evolution
Aodh, Aodhagán, Mac Aodhagáin, Kegan
Historical Usage
Kegan has been used in Ireland for centuries but gained popularity outside of Ireland in the late 20th century as Irish names became more fashionable.
Variants & Derivatives
Keegan, Kegan, Kegan
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Kegan is viewed as a modern and unique name, often associated with creativity and individuality.
Famous People
Kegan Allen, an American actor, Kegan O'Leary, a noted Irish artist
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 190 peak births in 1992
Geographic Spread
Popular across 27 US states, with strongest presence in Indiana
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 7 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 | 5827th of 10718 | 46 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 1074th of 16616 | 1,453 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 1313th of 24088 | 1,856 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 3009th of 23106 | 477 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 8671st of 27321 | 122 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 13004th of 35406 | 102 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 24101st of 30306 | 13 |
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) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
21.66% 798th/3685 |
40.20% 1799th/4475 |
23.51% 1221st/5194 |
20.90% 1320th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
18.70% 857th/4582 |
53.39% 2757th/5164 |
24.15% 1766th/7313 |
26.71% 1993rd/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
59.66% 2377th/3984 |
- |
49.50% 3377th/6822 |
- |
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) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
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 Indiana 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 stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 5827th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 1074th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 1313th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 3009th out of 23106 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 8671st out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 13004th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 24101st out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.