Surname Keoan - Meaning and Origin
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Keoan: What does the surname Keoan mean?
The surname Keoan (or Kéoan, Céoan, Keoane, etc.) is of Irish origin and is believed to be derived from the Old Gaelic "Cechadh", meaning to search or see. It is believed to have been introduced to Ireland by Viking invaders as a personal name, and later became a surname. It also has a Norse origin, again adopted by the Vikings and referring to a settlement named "Kjóa", located in the Faroe Islands.
The name Keoan is most commonly found in County Galway, on the West coast of Ireland, where it is one of the most numerous of surnames. The majority of Keoan's in Ireland trace their origins to the ancient clan territory of Ui Fiachrach Muaide, the barony of Tirawley, county Mayo.
The surname has spread to many parts of the world, including the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. In the United States, the name can be found in many states, with the highest concentration being in Illinois.
Keoan is a name that carries with it a hint of ancient history. It is a strong name, suggesting resilience and has been carried forward through generations by those who were proud of their Irish heritage.
Order DNA origin analysisKeoan: Where does the name Keoan come from?
The last name Keoan is a relatively rare last name with few known origins. It is believed to originate from either Ireland, Scotland, or a French-Norman origin. It is most commonly seen today in the United Kingdom, primarily in Northern Ireland. Outside of the UK, people with the last name Keoan can be found mostly in The United States, Canada, and parts of Australia.
In Ireland, the last name Keoan is most commonly found in counties Cork, Waterford, Wexford and Dublin. In Scotland, the last name is primarily found in the Highlands, particularly around Inverness-shire and Moray. In the United States and Canada, people with the last name Keoan are found most prominently in Quebec, Ontario, and New England. In Australia, people with the last name Keoan can mainly be found in New South Wales and Victoria.
Variations of the last name Keoan include Keohane, Keon, Kheon, and Kahn. In more recent years, some people with the last name Keoan have changed it to a more Anglicized version such as Kaine and Kean.
The last name Keoan is likely to stay a fairly rare name due to its limited geographical distribution and multiple possible origins. However, it continues to be passed down through families and remain present in much of the areas of the world where it has been established.
Variations of the surname Keoan
The surname Keoan (sometimes written Keyoan or Keyon) has various variants, spellings and associated surnames of the same origin.
The ‘Keo’ element of the surname is widely thought to be derived from the Old English word ‘ceorl’, meaning a ‘countryman’ or ‘peasant’. The ‘an’ element has been suggested to derive from either a diminutive form of the Old English forename ‘Agon’, or from the Old English word ‘an’, meaning ‘one’.
Variant spellings include Keys, Keyon, Keyeon, Keysan, Keyeoan, Keyown, Keyeyn and Keyen. Associated surnames may include Keeling, Keyes, Keene, Kain, Kyan and Keyser.
Similar surnames of the same origin may include Keogh, Kehoe, Keeton and Keymer. Variations of Keogh may include Kehoe, Keough and Keoughan. Variations of Keeton may include Keton, Keiten and Ketonen. Variations of Keymer may include Kemer and Kemerl.
The surname has been most common in England, especially in Devon and Cornwall, and has been found in various records in the area since the Middle Ages. It has and can also be found in parts of Scotland, Ireland, the United States, Canada, and Australia.
Famous people with the name Keoan
- Michelle Keohan: Actor, best known for her role in the film Good Boys
- Corey Keohan: Former NBA player for the Minnesota Timberwolves
- Kevin Keohan: Television producer and executive, known for his work on shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel
- Mark Keohan: Animator, best known for his work on the Simpsons
- Harry Keohan: Jazz musician and composer active in the 1930s and 40s
- Matthew Keohan: Academy Award nominated set decorator, known for his work on films like Saving Private Ryan
- Paul Keohan: Actor, primarily featured in UK television shows such as Waterloo Road and Emmerdale
- Philip Keohan: Film and television editor, nominated for an Emmy for his work on Into the West
- Stephen Keohan: Actor, known for his role in the cult classic Heathers
- William Keohan: Director, best known for his work on the 1967 cult classic Night of the Living Dead