Surname Keating - Meaning and Origin

Keating: What does the surname Keating mean?

The surname Keating is of Irish origin and it comes from the Gaelic name "Céitinn". The name is derived from the word "céit", which means 'kit' or 'armor', indicating that the original bearers of this name could have been warriors or people involved in warfare. Keating is therefore often interpreted as 'descendant of the kit/armor bearer’ or 'son of a warrior.' The Keating family was first found in county Wexford, and the name became prominent in social, cultural, and political affairs of the region. It spread throughout Ireland and later into other English-speaking countries through migration.

Keating: Where does the name Keating come from?

The surname Keating is of Irish origin, deriving from the Gaelic name "Mac Céitinn" or "Ó Céitinn". It is said to be patronymic, referring to "descendants or followers of Céitinn", a personal name which was possibly derived from the Welsh word "Cethin" meaning ugly or grim.

The Keating family was part of the scholarly tribes of Munster, a province in the south part of Ireland, and was one of the Septs (or clan) who later resided in Wexford. Notably, the famous Irish historian and poet, Geoffrey Keating, originating from 17th Century Tipperary, bore the same name.

Today, the Keating surname is most prevalent in Ireland, specifically in the Leinster region which includes the counties of Wexford, Wicklow, Louth, and Dublin. However, due to historical migrations and diasporas, this surname has spread globally, and is now notably common in the United States, England, Australia, and Canada.

Variations of the surname Keating

The surname Keating is of Irish origin and can be used interchangeably in some cases with the Gaelic surnames Ó Céitinn and Mac Céitinn. Keating is the Anglicized form of these traditional Irish names. It’s important to note that variations might occur due to regional dialects and phonetic spelling by non-native speakers.

Several versions and spellings of the same surname can be found, such as Keaton, Keeton, Keeten, Kiton, and even Ceitin in Irish context. These different versions may be the result of transcription errors, Anglicization, or attempts to phonetically spell the surname. Contemporary versions may also include Kettings or Keatings.

Although it’s less common, some individuals with this surname capitalize the second letter, turning it to KeAting. Every so often, the name might also be spelled as Ketting, Katting, or Kating. Despite the varied spellings, these surnames all generally share a common ancestry.

Another name of the same origin but spelled differently is O'Keating, a prefix often used in Irish surnames. However, this version is less common today, with most individuals choosing to drop the prefix “O”.

It’s crucial to remember that variations of the surname may indicate different family branches rather than simply being spelling errors.

Famous people with the name Keating

• Caroline Keating: American social and organizational psychologist
• Joe Keating: former British Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament
• Peter Keating: Irish psychologist and professor emeritus at University College Dublin
• Sarah Keating: host of Food Network's Best Baker in America and author of Cook Like a Pro
• Paul Keating: Former Prime Minister of Australia
• Patrick Keating: Australian Olympic kayaker
• Mark Keating: British lawyer and writer
• John Keating: English actor and poet
• Kim Keating: former Assistant Secretary General of the UN
• Ryan Keating: Irish actor

Other surnames

Keatinge