Surname Keohane - Meaning and Origin
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Keohane: What does the surname Keohane mean?
The surname Keohane is of Irish origin, deriving from the Gaelic "Mac Eocháin", composed of the elements “Mac” meaning “son of”, and “Eochán”, which is a double diminutive form of “Eochaidh”, a personal name translated roughly to "little horse." Therefore, the name is often interpreted as "son of little horse." This name was prevalent in the southwestern counties of Ireland, specifically in County Cork. As with many Irish family names, there are several variations in its spelling, including Keohan, Kohane, Coen, and Kyne. It's important to remember that the anglicization of Irish names often resulted in a loss of their original meanings and connections to family history.
Order DNA origin analysisKeohane: Where does the name Keohane come from?
The last name Keohane has Irish origins. It's derived from the Gaelic name "Mac Eochain," which means "son of Eochaidh or Eochan." These are older Gaelic names that can be translated as "horse rider." This surname is mostly associated with County Cork in the south of Ireland where it was first found. Regarding its modern-day prevalence, the surname Keohane is still quite common in Ireland, particularly in the regions of Munster and County Cork. It is also found in countries where there is significant Irish diaspora, such as the United States, Canada, and Australia. However, its density remains highest in Ireland.
Variations of the surname Keohane
The surname Keohane, often seen in Ireland, has variations in both its spelling and pronunciation depending on geographical locations and translations. Some of the most common variants of Keohane include Keohan, Keohone, and Keoheane. Other versions of the surname which can be found, mainly in English-speaking countries, include Keohene and Keyhane.
This surname is sometimes seen with an 'O' prefix as O'Keohane, a common format in Irish surnames symbolizing "grandson/descendant of". The surname Keohane is derived from the Gaelic O'Ceochain clan, and thus some variations can stem from this original spelling, like Ceochan.
The anglicization of Gaelic names also resulted in variations based on pronunciation - Kohane, Cohane, and Kehane are examples of this. Potential misspellings can also contribute to the variety of this surname: Keoahne, Keohaen, and Koeahne.
In terms of surnames of the same origin, Keogh, Kehoe, and Hoey have similar Gaelic roots, mostly from the Leinster area of Ireland. These names all derive from descendants of specific ancestors in a clan or family group and have survived multiple generations and spelling changes. Thus, these names have an intertwined history and evolution.
Famous people with the name Keohane
- Robert O. Keohane: an American professor of International Affairs at Princeton University.
- Daniel Keohane: a British security analyst and author.
- Richard Keohane: former British Liberal Democrat MP for Witney.
- Larry Keohane: American basketball coach.
- David C. Keohane: American PhD in Physics and contemporary oil painer.
- Dr. Patrick Keohane: an American board-certified Dermatologist and Dermatologic Surgeon.
- Aidan Keohane: English YouTube Celebrity and Businessman.
- Wayne Keohane: an Irish professional footballer.
- Bryan Keohane: a Modern Puzzlemaker.
- Mark Keohane: South African Journalist and Columnist.
- Helen Keohane: an English Country singer/songwriter.
- Katherine Keohane: Irish Fundraising manager for the Irish Cancer Society.
- Siobhan Keohane: an Irish Actress.
- Donal Keohane: Irish actor and choreographer.
- Sean Keohane: Irish Actor and Theatre Producer.
- Gerard Keohane: Irish Music Educator.
- Bernie Keohane: Irish Film and Television Producer/Director.
- Ian Keohane: Irish photographer, filmmaker and sculptor.
- Bonnie Keohane: Irish-American Artist and Painter.
- Aoife Keohane: Irish Singer/Songwriter.