Surname Kerans - Meaning and Origin

Kerans: What does the surname Kerans mean?

The last name Kerans is believed to have originated from the Scottish and Irish culture. It is derived from the Gaelic which refers to a person living near a wetland or marsh. It is also believed to have derived from Mac Gillechearain which is a Scandinavian-Gaelic name meaning “Son of the Servant of St. Kieran”.

Kerans is an unusual Irish and Scottish surname that is most commonly found in Belfast, Northern Ireland. It can also be found in some other parts of the United Kingdom. The original spelling of the surname is uncertain; however, it could have been rendered as Gerran, Kieran, Kerin, or Kearon. It has also changed over time, with some there being some variation in spelling.

The Kerans name is believed to have descended from the Irish and Scottish MacGilleChearain family. The family were probably located along a riverbank near a marsh or wetland. The family was also known to have had strong ties to the Christian faith.

Kerans is a popular surname in Ireland, Scotland, and the United Kingdom. The original spelling of the name varies depending on the region and the family who first adopted the surname. Those with the last name of Kerans are proud to be part of a legacy of a unique and diverse name, one that brings with it a long history and tradition.

Kerans: Where does the name Kerans come from?

Kerans is an Irish surname that is fairly common in Ireland today. It primarily originates from regions on the central and northern parts of the island, primarily around the counties of Donegal and Mayo. It is derived from the pre-ninth century Gaelic word "ciarain," which translates to "little dark one."

Though there is a definite Irish origin for the name Kerans, it can now be found all over the world. It has spread across the globe with the movement of Irish emigrants, especially those who have left the island in search of work and a better life.

In the United States, Kerans is primarily found on the east and west coasts, particularly in the heavily Irish populated states of New York, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and California. It is also present in smaller numbers across the Midwest, particularly in Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, and Illinois.

The name can also be found in countries such as Canada, Australia, and South Africa, due to the spread of Irish emigrants from the 18th century onwards.

Therefore, Kerans is a comparatively common name today, and can be found in a number of countries across the world. This is largely due to the spread of Irish immigration and the diaspora which left the small island nation many centuries ago, and continues to this day.

Variations of the surname Kerans

The surname Kerans is an Anglicised version of the Irish surname O'Ciarain, which is derived from the personal name 'Ciaran.' Variants of this surname include: O'Kerin, O'Kirwan, O'Kerwin, O'Caran, and Kerin.

In some cases, the anglicized surname has also been extended into two separate words, such as Ker Ans or Keran's. In both cases, the surname still derives from the same Irish language root.

While the original spelling of the surname is still most used in Ireland, the variants have become more common outside of the country. In areas with large Irish immigrant populations, such as the United States and Canada, variants of the name such as Kerin and Keran have become more widespread.

Some people who share the same surname may not be related. In this case, certain variants may be passed down from multiple bloodlines. For example, members of a family with the original surname of O'Ciarain may have descendants with various spellings, including Kerin, Keran and O'Kerin.

Various spellings may even occur within the same family. For instance, a person's immediate family members may spell their surname differently due to differences in immigration or marriage records. Additionally, different spellings may have been used simply for practical reasons, such as facilitating pronunciation or providing a more convenient spelling when completing various forms and documents.

The surname Kerans is also one of the many variants and spellings of the same basic root. It is important to note, however, that these variants do not necessarily indicate a relation between two people. Although two individuals may share the same surname, they may not have a shared ancestor. When conducting research for a family tree, it is important to research all the variants of a surname to make sure that all possible connections are explored.

Famous people with the name Kerans

• Dr. Robert J. Kerans: biologist and paleontologist
• Gary Kerans: former professional hockey player
• Scot Kerans: former college basketball player
• James P. Kerans: ex-CEO of Vail Resorts, Inc.
• Michael Kerans: author and editor
• Derek Kerans: retired professional soccer player
• William Kerans: former US Ambassador to Paraguay
• Ed Kerans: well-known glass artist
• Donald Kerans: business executive and philanthropist
• Bob Kerans: NCAA volleyball championship coach

Other surnames

Kerangall