Surname Keen - Meaning and Origin

Unraveling Celtic Roots: My Journey of Self Discovery through iGENEA DNA Analysis

An enlightening journey into exploring my familial roots and the origin of my surname through a DNA analysis with iGENEA. The quest revealed my surname Keen's Celtic origins, as well as fascinating connections to the legendary Tuatha De Danann, altering my understanding of my lineage.

W. Keen

Keen: What does the surname Keen mean?

The surname Keen is of Anglo-Saxon origin and has several potential meanings. It could be derived from the Middle English word "kene", which means sharp, keen, or brave, indicating a person who is alert and vigorous. It may also relate to the Old English personal name "Cena", akin to the Dutch "Coen" and the German "Kuhn". Additionally, it could be a topographic surname for someone who lived by a wedge-shaped piece of land, as "keen" could also mean a wedge in Old English. Lastly, it could be a habitational name from Keen in Wiltshire or Devon, UK. However, it is important to remember that surnames can have multiple origins and the exact meaning often varies based on geographical regions and historical context.

Keen: Where does the name Keen come from?

The surname Keen originates from the Old English "cēne" meaning bold or keen, which is derived from an old Germanic word. It first surfaced in England and Scotland, and was often given as a nickname to individuals who were known for their courageous or valiant attributes. A different derivation of the surname could also have stemmed from a place called Keen in Aberdeenshire, Scotland.

The surname Keen was also anglicized from the Gaelic "O'Cianaigh", meaning the descendant of Cian, a personal name which signifies ancient or enduring.

Today, Keen is a relatively common last name in English-speaking countries. It is most prevalent in the United States, followed by England and Australia. In the United States, the highest concentration of individuals with the Keen surname is found in Virginia. Nonetheless, the surname Keen remains far from being one of the most common surnames, with an estimated 35,000 bearers globally.

Variations of the surname Keen

The surname Keen has various origins including English, Irish, and Dutch, resulting in multiple variants and similar surnames. In its English origin, it's a descriptive name derived from the Middle English 'keen', meaning 'sharp', 'bold', or 'brave'. Some variations in spelling of this English surname include Keene, Kene, and Keane. It could also be a variant spelling of McCann or Kane in Irish culture.

O'Keane, O'Kane, Cahan, Kain, Cain, and Kane are some Irish surnames sharing the same Gaelic origin, Ó Catháin, meaning 'descendant of Cathán'. In Dutch, it originates from an occupation name for a brave or proud person and variants like De Keen and Van Keen can be found.

The surname Keen can also originate from Jewish (Ashkenazic) culture where it is a variant of Kohn, meaning priest.

There are also geographical origins, for example from a place called Keen in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Scottish variations include Kyne and Kean.

Other closely related surnames include Keenan, Kehn, and Kehoe. While each variant has its distinct origin and meaning, they all share common elements that link them to the surname Keen.

Famous people with the name Keen

• Robert Earl Keen: An American singer-songwriter, primarily in the country and folk genres.
• Alfred John Keene: An English landscape painter and etcher of the late 19th century.
• Graham Keen: A British comic artist, best known for his work in the 1960's.
• Geoffrey Keen: An English actor of stage, film and TV, known for his roles in James Bond films.
• Andrew Keen: An author and public speaker, who focuses on new media, technology and the Internet.
• Alexandra Keen: An English former first-class cricket player.
• Carl Keen: An nutrition scientist known for his work in the maternal and infant nutrition and development field.
• Steve Keen: An Australian economist and author, recognized in the field of post-Keynesian economics.
• Peter Keen: An English sports administrator and former coach, best known for his work in British Cycling.
• Jessica Keen: An American pledge songwriter and country music artist.
• David Keen: A British author specializing in conflict analysis.
• Adrian Keane: An English former professional snooker player.
• Sherman Keene: A famous American football player.

Other surnames

KeeKeechKeefeKeeferKeeffeKeeganKeehanKeehnerKeelKeelaghanKeelahanKeelanKeelerKeeleyKeelingKeeltyKeelyKeenaKeenahanKeenanKeeneKeenerKeeneyKeenyKeepKeerKeerbachKeericanKeeryKees