Surname Keaveney - Meaning and Origin

Keaveney: What does the surname Keaveney mean?

The last name Keaveney is an ancient Gaelic name originating in Ireland. The name means “Descendant of Cean”, with “Cean” being derived from the personal name ‘Cian’ which translates to ‘ancient’.

The Keaveneys are believed to descend from the ancient Irish King, Eoghamh Ceannfaelad who had a kingdom in the Ulster provinces of Ireland, about 400 AD. It is thought that the Keaveneys are direct descendants from his bloodline.

The name Keaveney is of the great septs - families or clans that are linked to various districts in Ireland. It is associated mainly with Co Galway and Monaghan, where it is spread throughout both counties.

The ancient Irish roots of the Keaveney surname adds to its allure and the name carries a strong legacy of loyalty, strength and courage. Today, the Keaveney family is still known for these characteristics and those who bear the name are respected throughout the world.

Keaveney: Where does the name Keaveney come from?

The last name Keaveney is most commonly found in Ireland. It is believed to have had its origin in County Roscommon, in the province of Connacht. It is also found in Northern Ireland. The Keaveney surname has spread to many parts of the world, but the majority of Keaveneys still live in Ireland.

The Keaveney name is most often associated with County Roscommon and the surrounding region. In Roscommon, the Keaveney name is among one of the most popular names in the county. It is also found within the broader Midlands area, consisting of Leitrim, Carlow, Longford, Westmeath, Laois, Offaly, and more.

There is evidence that the Keaveney name has been around since at least the 17th century. Records show that members of the Keaveney family were land guardians (or landholders) in the town of Kilronan in County Roscommon. It is believed that the Keaveney family had a strong presence in this region up until the 19th century.

Today, many Keaveney families can be found in Ireland, the United Kingdom, North America, and Australia. The Keaveney name is also used as a middle name by some Irish families.

Variations of the surname Keaveney

The surname Keaveney is an Irish surname derived from the Gaelic Ó Céifne, which means "descendant of Céifne". Different variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin as Keaveney can include the following:

• Keveneigh, Keveney, Kevenie,

• Cavaney, Cavannie, Keane,

• Kevaney, Kevanney, Kaveney,

• Kavenny, Kavanagh, Kavanah,

• Kevanny, Kavaney, Kavanny,

• Keviney, Kevinnay, Kevanagh,

• Kivney, Kivenny, Kivannie,

• Kivany, Kevanny, Kavanae,

• Cavannag, Cavannaigh, Kaveeney,

• Kavenie, Kaveenie, Kaveeny and

• Kaviney.

The origin of the Keaveney surname stems from ancient Clan Mac Néill, which belonged to the Irish Uí Néill dynasty which is the traditional groupings of Irish and Highland clans that claim descent from the ancient kings of Ireland. The Ó Céifne sept were part of the Cenél Maíl Brigte people of County Antrim and the initial bearers of the surname were found mainly in the northern border areas between County Down and County Antrim. The majority of descendants of the original Keaveney sept have remained in the northern area and there are still sizable numbers of Keaveney’s in the Northern area, particularly around County Armagh.

Famous people with the name Keaveney

• Claudia Keaveney- Irish Politician
• Adrian Keaveney: Irish Politician
• Catherine Keaveney: Irish Politician
• James Keaveney: Irish Musician
• Aaron Keaveney: American Football Player
• Paul Keaveney: British Actor
• Michael Keaveney: Irish Singer
• Sarah Keaveney: British Writer
• Martin Keaveney: Irish Football Player
• Ed Keaveney: British Musician

Other surnames

Keaveny