Surname Keeveney - Meaning and Origin
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Keeveney: What does the surname Keeveney mean?
The last name Keeveney has an Irish origin. It is derived from the ancient Irish name O Cuanachain, which is composed of two parts, Cuán meaning "little wolf" and Achán, meaning "small". The surname was often translated into anglicised versions such as Keeveney, Keeveney and Keaveney.
The Keeveney surname likely originated in medieval times. During this era, Gaelic culture was predominant in Ireland, and many individuals took on surnames related to animals, as this was reflective of their high standing in society. This same reasoning can also be used to explain the influence of Irish Gaelic terms within the surname Keeveney.
The Keeveney surname is fairly common in Ireland, and is typically found in areas such as Dublin and Cork. It can sometimes be used as a forename, though this practice wasn’t as common as some other Irish names.
The Keeveney surname signifies strength and courage, among other admirable qualities. Although the Keeveney family history is largely shrouded in mystery, it is possible that its owners once lived a life of power and influence. As the descendants of a great and noble Gaelic family, members of the Keeveney family are likely to possess a strong sense of pride, and an unwavering commitment to honor and loyalty.
Order DNA origin analysisKeeveney: Where does the name Keeveney come from?
The last name Keeveney is most commonly found in the United States and Ireland today. In the United States, the last name has seen an uptick in popularity over the past few years. The largest concentrations of the name are located in New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and California. It is also relatively common in states such as Illinois, Ohio, and Michigan.
In Ireland, Keeveney is primarily located in counties in the western region, such as Mayo, Galway, and Roscommon. The name is also found in Dublin, Meath, and Offaly, as well as the more rural parts of counties like Sligo and Cavan.
The Keeveney name is a relatively uncommon one in the United States, with only a few thousand individuals carrying the name. In Ireland, however, the family is much more numerous, with hundreds of people having the last name. The origin of the last name is likely Irish in origin, as the spelling of the name, pronounced "Kee-vin-ee," is similar to the Irish pronunciation of the name "Keevany," which has been in use for centuries.
Regardless of the origin, the Keeveney name is now found all around the world. Both in the United States and Ireland, there are plenty of Keeveneys today with their own unique stories and histories.
Variations of the surname Keeveney
Keeveney is an Anglo-Irish surname. It is thought to have originated with the name O Caoimhín, which translates to "descendant of Caoimhín" -- a masculine given name meaning "helpful and gentle." This surname has several variants, spellings, and other derivatives.
Keeveney is the correct spelling of this surname, although it can also be spelled in a variety of ways. Common variants include Kavanagh, Kaveny, Kavaney, Kevany, Kiveney, Kivney, and Kevney.
Surnames of a similar origin are often found in Irish records, including Keevim, Kivim, Kiveam, and Kivim.
Other names derived from Keeveney include Caveny, Coveney, Cevney, Kiven, Kavanny, Kivine, and Kiveney.
Keeveney is sometimes also anglicised to Keane, which is quite an common surname in Ireland. Variations of this name include Kean, O'Keane, Kean, Keene, Keenan, Kene, Keen, and Kyne.
Finally, the Scottish clan name Cavin is believed to be related to Keeveney, and it's variants include Cavin, Caven, and Kavin.
Famous people with the name Keeveney
- Ricky Keeveney: Irish-born actor, singer, model and writer.
- Brian Keeveney: Scottish professional golfer.
- David Keeveney: Former President of the Council of Irish Genealogical Organizations.
- P.J. Keeveney: Former President of the Irish Economic and Social Research Institute.
- Barry Keeveney: International award-winning restaurateur.
- Conor Keeveney: Irish rugby coach.
- Markus Keeveney: Professional head coach and former player of the Badger Aviators in Wisconsin.
- Siobhan Keeveney: Irish professional comic artist.
- Shane Keeveney: Former songwriter and musician.
- Kathleen Keeveney: Former mayor of Beverly Hills, California.